Pilots' strike cripples Jet flights

Air travellers wait at the Jet Airways counter at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. Flights on India's second-largest private airline, Jet Airways, were disrupted on September 8 after a number of pilots went on what the company called a "simulated strike" and reported sick.

Air travellers wait at the Jet Airways counter at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. Flights on India's second-largest private airline, Jet Airways, were disrupted on September 8 after a number of pilots went on what the company called a "simulated strike" and reported sick.<br><br>Several flights around the country, including 35 from Mumbai and 18 from New Delhi, were cancelled as a result of the action, which Jet Airways said was a "planned sabotage of operations". (AFP Photo)

An air traveller reacts while waiting at the Jet Airways counter at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. (AFP Photo)
There was chaos at airports across the country as thousands of passengers were left stranded after pilots refused to report for duty, protesting against the sacking of two of their colleagues. (AFP Photo)
Greeters wait at the arrival terminal for guests scheduled to arrive by Jet Airways and Jetlight flights at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. (AFP Photo)

A Jet Airways flight attendant walks past a company coach at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. The Jet pilots' association says the management is responsible for the current mess. They want a written promise that the sacked pilots will be taken back. (AFP Photo)
People watch a flight arrival status display monitor at the city airport in Mumbai on September 8, 2009. (AFP Photo)
The pilots' protest has affected nearly 13,000 passengers at airports across the country. The airline put up affected commuters in hotels and even offered to refund fares. A large number of passengers were also accommodated in flights of Air India and other carriers.

In a Press statement, Jet Airways said a section of the pilots had resorted to a simulated strike by reporting sick. "This organised activity is planned sabotage of operations that will damage the airlines' operations and inconvenience the travelling public," the statement said.