South Flights

With more than 180 pilots continuing to strike in India, the government is now working to help displaced passengers. A major airlines in India has canceled nearly 50 pre-booked flights in the last few days. As a result, hundreds of vacationers, business professionals and local residents have been forced to cancel their plans. As travelers in cities such as Mumbai and Delhi have been unable to get to their destinations because of the Air India pilot strike, Civil Aviation Secretary Madhavan Nambiar has asked officials from Air India not to raise airline ticket prices.

The strike occurred as a result of Air India’s decision to end a pay incentive program. Pilots were incensed and negotiations between the two sides have gone nowhere. As a result, the largest airline in India has suspended all flights and refused to refund fares. Government officials are urging Air India to make concessions so that air travel can commence again. In addition, members of the government have asked top officials at Air India to assist displaced passengers.

The stalemate has effected thousands of travelers and it seems that there is no end to the strike in sight. For now, Air India has vowed not to increase raise fares, but the company has announced no plans to help displaced passengers to their destinations. With striking pilots and Air India unable to come to an agreement, the Indian government may eventually have to intervene. Air India has currently suspended all future and upcoming flights for the foreseeable future.