Air India deadlock continued for the seventh day on Monday as pilots of the
cash-strapped national carrier remained on strike. The national carrier's management cancelled 14 international outbound flights, also throwing domestic operations into disarray.
Over 200 pilots owing allegiance to the
Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) are on strike since May 8, badly disrupting the international operations of the national carrier. The airline has also suspended its bookings for international flights till May 15.
The airline management has sacked 71 pilots and also sought cancellation of the flying licenses of 11 office- bearers of IPG, which is spearheading the agitation.
DGCA had on Saturday issued showcause notices to 11 pilots of the IPG after the airline management sought cancellation of their flying licences.
Union Civil Aviation Minister
Ajit Singh has asked the pilots to consider the plight of passengers and said, "We are ready for talks but they must call off their strike".
"The first priority must be to make sure that the passengers feel they are being listened to. So let the pilots decide that. Ask for forgiveness from passengers. Start the flights ... we can talk on anything after that," Singh has said.
Special 
