LD AIRINDIA-AGITATION 2LST

Meanwhile, the pilots associated with Indian
Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) are holding meetings
here and other stations to decide whether to join the
agitation.

"We are in-principle with them (executive pilots) but
whether we will join or not, will be decided after the
meetings," an ICPA source said.

"We may also proceed on strike," he added.
For the passengers of the cancelled flights, Air India
is making alternative arrangements in their own on other
airlines' flights.
Passengers going to Mumbai have been accommodated in
the next flight while those going to Kabul have been lodged in
a hotel.

Some of the passengers of the Lucknow flight, who
could not be accommodated in other flights protested at the
Airlines' counter.

"We were asked to board the flight but after sitting
there for a long time, we were informed that the flight would
not go," a passenger said.

Official sources said the Executive pilots were taken
on board over the PLI reduction and their move was surprising.

There are around 300 Executive pilots in the national
carrier and since they are part of the airlines management,
they cannot form a union and also cannot go on strike,
official sources said. PTI