Air India operations have been severely affected with around 80 flights being cancelled due to strike by pilots. The Delhi High Court castigated striking Air India pilots for defying its order to immediately call-off the agitation and issued notices to their union’s office bearers seeking replies as to why contempt of court proceedings should not be initiated against them.

Government ruled out any possibility of resuming dialogue with the striking pilots till they call-off their strike. Briefing reporters in New Delhi on Thursday, Civil Aviation Minister Vyalar Ravi said that Air India is trying to maintain air traffic and fifty per cent of the domestic flights are being operated.

Earlier in the day, the Minister briefed the Prime Minister and the Cabinet over the issue. Spokesperson of Air India, Kanwaljeet Ratan told reporters that the organisation is trying to make alternative arrangement for the passengers.

Alternative arrangements have also been made at the Chennai airport for the stranded passengers.

AIR Mumbai correspondent reports that Passengers are facing inconvenience as the strike entered third day today.