Air services were partially affected after Airports Authority of India and Air India employees went on a flash strike at Begumpet airport on Friday afternoon. Air India flights scheduled for New Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai were delayed for half an hour because of the strike. However, the carrier responded quickly and made alternate arrangements for smooth operations. It said that passengers had not faced much trouble as pilots and senior officials were not participating in the strike.
Air India officials added that all the 20 flights would be operated as per schedule on Saturday. The Airport director, Mr R.K. Singla, also said that the strike had little impact on the movement of flights. Ground handling staff of AAI and Air India launched the strike to protest against the civil aviation ministry’s decision to close down the airport. On Thursday, the ministry directed its officials at Begumpet airport to intimate all the staff about the closure of commercial operations from Saturday midnight, when the new airport at Shamshabad would start functioning.
“We sought the intervention of senior leaders of Left parties in the issue,” said Mr V.S. Gupta, secretary of AAI Employees Union. “They will discuss with ministry officials on Saturday.” The employees continued the strike till 10 pm after which the Air India management agreed to hold talks with them. Union leaders said the strike would resume from Saturday morning if talks failed.
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