Employees of the national carrier, Air India suspended work at all airports from 1 pm onwards, notwithstanding warnings by Air India management regarding pay cuts. The workers started demonstrations across all airports, demanding immediate release of salary and early solution of all pending issues with the management.

Anand Prakash, the joint secretary of Air Corporation Employees Union (ACEU), said: "We have gone on a two-hour strike. We will continue the agitation tomorrow as well." ACEU general secretary J. B. Kadian demanded written assurance from management regarding release of salaries in next two days.

Terming the strike un-justified, the AI management said that flight schedules will be maintained and strict actions would be taken against the striking staff. AI spokesperson said: "They will get their salaries in a day or two. I don't see any reason for employees going on strike if disbursements of salaries are delayed by a day or two. This delay is because we are identifying those who should get the salaries first."

He said that the carrier had made adequate arrangements to avoid any interruption and delay in flights. The recession-hit state-run carrier suffered a loss of Rs 4,000 crore last fiscal, making it difficult for the firm to pay salaries to employees and to run routine operations.

The carrier has also demanded bailout package from the Union government to come out of trouble.