Air India's domestic operations were affected around the country on Saturday after pilots staged a work-to-rule to protest against non-payment of salaries. Flight operations from North India were the worst affected with over six flights cancelled till noon.

The Western region also saw disruptions with east and southern regions reporting minimal dislocation to operations.

20 flights affected

Sources indicated that about 20 of the more than 360 daily domestic flights operated by the airline were affected by the pilots' action.

Incidentally, the disruption of flights due to the pilots' industrial action comes on the day that Air India released the November salaries of its employees.

For Air India employees, the salary consists of two main heads — a basic salary and a productivity linked incentive which is a larger part of the salary. The productivity-linked incentive is calculated on the basis of various parameters including how well the airline has performed in a particular month.

Salary payment

Pilots met with the Chairman and Managing Director, Mr Rohit Nandan, at the airlines headquarters here but both sides refused to comment on the meeting.

“Some pilots reported sick as they have not been paid salaries and allowances. It will take some time as the finances of the airlines are in a bad shape. The Government is aware of the problem. Next Tuesday there is a meeting with the Ministers of Finance and Petroleum. By the end of next week we should be able to pay most of the salaries and allowances,” the newly appointed Minister for Civil Aviation, Mr Ajit Singh said.

Meanwhile, late in the evening, ICPA (Indian Commercial Pilots Association) said that Air India pilots had called off their agitation.

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