Air India and Jet Airways have lost Rs 127 crore because of strikes by their staff members since 2009.

Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel made this declaration on Thursday.

The minister said, "Estimated loss suffered by National Aviation Company of India Limited (NACIL) on account of these strikes was around Rs. 77 crore."

In May 2010, two unions of the erstwhile Indian Airlines, All India Aircraft Engineers' Association (AIAEA) and Air Corporations Employees' Union (ACEU) had started a flash strike.

In September 2009, Air India's executive pilots had quitted the work by reporting sick en-mass after the airline projected a reduction in their flying payment.

Also in September, pilots of private sector airline Jet Airways had struck by reporting sick. (With Inputs from Agencies)