AI strike: Rs 96 cr loss burns debt-ridden airlines' pocket

New Delhi, May 14: Even as the impasse between

and the agitating pilots continues to cause distress to passengers, the government is leaving no stone unturned to resolve the issue. With pilots striking for more than a week now and numerous flights cancelled, this is not a good time for the state-owned carrier that was already facing a financial crisis.

The debt-ridden airline has already incurred a loss of Rs 96 crore due to the pilots strike. The contingency plan for AI was supposed to have kicked off on May 14, but there are reports that it has not been finalised yet. This is understood to be because of Air India's Executive Pilots Association (EPA) supporting the pilots who are on strike.

The former are responsible for operating international flights. Incidentally, staff of private airlines have come out in support to the pilots. The Jet Airways pilot body (SWIP) has urged the government to ensure reinstatement of the sacked Air India pilots, besides the EPA.

As on Monday, air travelers are flustered with eight international and six domestic flights getting cancelled.

OneIndia News