The strike by a section of Air India pilots has entered the 57th day, to attain the notorious distinction of becoming the second longest strike in the country’s aviation history. The Indian Pilots Guild (IPG), the union of Air India pilots, had also struck work in 1974 against cost cutting measures when fuel prices shot up alarmingly.

The 1974 strike lasted for well over 90 days. In 1993-94, a strike by Air India flight engineers lasted for 56 days. Before the 1993-94 strike, the distinction of the second longest strike was held by AI’s sister organisation Indian Airlines, whose pilots went on a five-week stir in 1991-92 demanding more wages.