AIR INDIA GROUND WORKS THREATHEN STRKE ACTION AS PILOTS STRIKE CONTINUES

Air India pilots continued to strike for a fourth consecutive day on 29 September 2009. The situation forced the airline to cancel approximately 50 flights, including nine international flights. The pilots have demanded that the airline abandon plans for a pay cut. Talks between the pilots and airline officials failed to yield an agreement yesterday. The airline has suspended all domestic ticket bookings until further notice. There had been rumours that Air India would institute a lockout and suspend all flight operations through to 15 October. However, Indian aviation officials and Air India officials have denied that there are any plans for such an action. Air India ground workers are reportedly threatening to launch a strike as well. Due to the unpredictability of the situation, travellers on all Air India flights should verify their flight status before departing to the airport.