Air India serves show-cause notice to three absent pilots

NEW DELHI: Nearly a dozen flights of Air India were delayed for up to two hours on Monday as a section of pilots continued their protest for the second day over

NEW DELHI: Nearly a dozen flights of Air India were delayed for up to two hours on Monday as a section of pilots continued their protest for the second day over payment and other issues even as the airline served show-cause notice to three commanders for alleged dereliction of duty.

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Seeking to resolve the issues raised by pilots owing allegiance to the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA), Air India is expected to hold parleys with them on Tuesday even as airline chief Ashwani Lohani warned of “exemplary disciplinary action” against agitating employees.

Sources said around five to 10 flights were delayed by half-an-hour to two hours on Monday as more than 70 pilots opted for their “weekly off”, impacting services in the domestic network.

At the same time, Air India has issued show-cause notices to three pilots for not turning up for duty on Sunday, they added.

The Air India spokesperson was not available for comments.

Earlier in the day, Lohani warned of “exemplary disciplinary action” against employees “sabotaging” the progress of the national carrier.

In a stern message to employees, he said such acts at this juncture when the airline is looking to achieve a turn around are“just not acceptable” and shall not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Recently, there have been delays/cancellations of flights due to indiscipline by a small section of pilots. Such acts, not only result in revenue loss but also cause inconvenience to passengers, he said.

Sources said Air India’s director of operations has called for a meeting on Tuesday with ICPA representatives to discuss their grievances.