New Delhi: Backing out from the strike called by private airlines on August 18, Indigo Airlines has declared that will operate normal services on the day.
Indigo has said that all private airlines should talk the civil aviation ministry over the issue.
Earlier on Saturday, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) made it clear that those airlines which cancelled flights on August 18 would have to refund passengers immediately for tickets paid for in cash.
Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel also issued a statement saying, "The government reiterates its advice to private airlines against suspending operations for that day. The government can't be expected to help private airlines financially. The tax on ATF has been an issue since much before many of the present airlines came into existence. If required, the DGCA will take appropriate action under its regulatory powers to protect passenger interest. Air India will stand up to its national responsibility and will mount additional flights on August 18 to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public."
Eight major private airlines, which carry over one-lakh passengers a day, have decided not to operate domestic flights on August 18. The airlines say they are on the verge of bankruptcy and want a bailout from the government.
In a statement, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel, who is in Mauritious, asked the airlines not to inconvenience passengers and engage in dialogue.