Date:03/02/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/02/03/stories/2006020301861900.htm

Back Mumbai airport operations remain normal despite strike

Our Bureau

The departure terminal at the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in Mumbai presents a sorry picture, with no staff available to clear the waste left by the agitating employees of the Airports Authority of India. — Shashi Ashiwal

Mumbai, Feb. 2

OPERATIONS at the international and domestic airports in the city remained normal on the second day of an indefinite strike called by employees of the Airports Authority of India to protest the privatisation of the Mumbai and Delhi airports.

According to Mr R.J. Treasurywallah, Airport Director, all flights operated to their normal schedule on Thursday. Baggage delivery services were also available to customers.

However, a large section of the employees stayed away from work and continued demonstrations in front of the departure terminal at the domestic airport here.

Cleaning and maintenance of the airport premises suffered, with most of the house-keeping staff on strike for the second day.

Meanwhile, Jet Airways, Indian Airlines and GoAir have confirmed that their flights operated to normal schedules from the city.

Our Mangalore Bureau adds

Though the strike by the Airports Authorities of India Employees' Joint Forum (AAIEJF) entered second day on Thursday, it did not affect the operations at Mangalore airport.

The Airport Director, Mr M.R. Vasudeva, told Business Line here that all the flights operated as per schedule at the airport.

"The operations were normal at the airport," he said.

Personnel from ATC (air traffic control) section did not participate in second day's agitation also.