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Ministry of Civil Aviation expresses concern over cancellation of Jet Airways flights

Direct News Source

The Government has expressed concern at the inconvenience that is being caused to the traveling public by the cancellation of flights of Jet Airways.

The Home Secretary, Shri G.K. Pillai, taking into account the provisions of the relevant Civil Aviation Regulations laying down conditions of public interest, has written to the Chief Secretaries of all States to review the situation in their States with regard to the 'Wildcat' strike by Jet Airways pilots leading to disruption of flights.

The State Chief Secretaries have been asked, in consultation in consultation with their respective Home Secretaries and Labour Secretaries, to see whether there is a necessity to invoke the provisions of Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to ensure restoration of services so that general public are not put into inconvenience.

At present, reportedly, 145 Captains and 154 Co-pilots of Jet Airways have reported sick enmass, as a consequence of which, a total of 119 flights have been canceled - 4 international flights and 115 domestic flights. At the moment all efforts are being made to divert passengers to other flights. As per the Civil Aviation Requirements, any act on the part of pilots, which may results into last minute cancellation of flights and harassment of passengers, 'would be treated as an act against the public interest'.

Meanwhile, Chairman, Jet Airways, Shri Naresh Goyal has met the Secretary, Civil Aviation, Shri M. Madhavan Nambiar and the Director General Civil Aviation, Shri N. Zaidi today to brief them on the issue. The Ministry keeping in view the inconvenience that is being caused to the traveling public has directed the management to set up Control Offices at their headquarters, bases and airports. Jet Airways has been asked to ensure that their passengers are accommodated in other airlines depending on availability of seats.

They have also been directed to put in place a full refund mechanism without any deduction - on passenger request. They have also been asked to adopt a method of combination/re-scheduling of flights for smooth transfer of passengers. The Ministry has directed the management to ensure full facilitation of passengers and their amenities. Jet Airways has been asked to minimize the inconvenience that is being caused to the traveling public.