Panaji:
More than 600 pilots of the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA), one of Air India's pilots unions, have refused to fly to Goa.
They are resenting the unavailability of a landing aid feature that indicates the path for the pilot. This means pilots have to measure the landing purely by sight, a possible but difficult maneouvre.
Another feature which indicates the distance and route before touchdown has also been disabled.
After receiving a note indicating these problems, some Air India pilots have refused to fly to Goa between 9 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 7 pm.
However, the national carrier has confirmed that no flights to Goa will be affected, and that Navy and DGCA rules will be respected.