Crashlanded?

Jet pilots hold emergency meeting; Goyal threatens to shut shop

Jet pilots hold emergency meeting; Goyal threatens to shut shop

The deadlock between agitating pilots of Jet Airways and the airline continued for the second consecutive day on Wednesday. As many as 200 flights were either cancelled or passengers shifted to other airlines.

However, the situation was slightly less chaotic on Wednesday as fliers were updated about their flights through SMSes and website updates. Those who arrived at airports were accommodated by other airlines. As many as 13,000 fliers were affected on the second day of the strike. Meanwhile, Jet Airways Chairman Naresh Goyal met Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel for an hour on Wednesday noon. However, both denied commenting on what was discussed.

Dead end: Two Jet Airways airhostesses at the Delhi airport. As pilots stir continued, a number of flights had to be cancelledu00a0u00a0 Pic/Rajeev Tyagi

Sources said the government had refused to intervene and stressed that the issue be 'amicably' resolved by both parties.

Later, Goyal threatened to close down the airline if pilots didn't resume work. "If they don't follow company rules and procedures, I don't think we are left with any option and will follow whatever the law of the land is," Goyal told a television channel.

After intervention by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the striking pilots reached Delhi in the afternoon to hold talks with Jet Airways. However, the meeting reportedly scheduled to be held at DGCA headquarters could not take place.

As news of Bombay High Court's 'contempt' notice against the striking pilots came in, the agitating Jet employees held an emergency meeting in Delhi which went on till late evening.

An agitating pilot said, "We are discussing the Mumbai High Court order." When asked whether they would resume work, he said, "That is being deliberated upon. We can't say anything now."

Wednesday blues
Around 200 Jet Airways flights were cancelled on Wednesday. On the second day, 432 pilots did not report to work. However, flight updates were sent by the airline through SMSes to fliers. Jet Airways has shut down its booking counters at airports and travel agents have been asked not to book further tickets.

Members of the Indian cricket team flew Air India as Jet requested the national carrier following the shortage of pilots.