DGCA to meet Kingfisher Airlines CEO on Tuesday

New Delhi, Feb.20 (ANI): The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has reportedly summoned Kingfisher Airlines Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Sanjay Aggarwal to appear before it on Tuesday.

The summons comes as Kingfisher Airlines cancelled 21 more flights in Mumbai and Bangalore on Monday, and rescheduled two other flights. Kingfisher operations at the Kolkata airport have also been shut till March 3.

The airline had cancelled around 30 flights on Sunday, leaving passengers stranded without any prior information.

Kingfisher is reportedly operating just 16 of its 64 aircraft at present. Half of its senior pilots have quit in the last thee months, while other employees haven't received their salaries for nearly three months.

Meanwhile, Union Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh has ruled out chances of giving Kingfisher Airlines a bailout package.

He said: "Everyone knew about Kingfisher's financial problems. Our first concern is passengers' safety, which should not be compromised. DGCA is looking into it."

Referring to the strike by the Kingfisher employees, the minister said, "Kingfisher has not given salaries to their staff and that is why there is a strike."

Kingfisher Airlines decision to cancel flights has prompted the DGCA to ask for a full report.

There is a possibility that if a reply is not forthcoming, the DGCA could cancel Kingfisher Airlines licence.

Kingfisher Airlines is already crippled after tax authorities attached its bank accounts over non-payment of dues last week.

Unpaid employees also went on a flash strike in Kolkata. Services in other metros and Tier 2 cities have been hit as well. (ANI)