Despite strike call, pvt airlines continue bookings for Aug 18

Under attack from the government, the private airlines who are demanding a bailout package, have kept bookings open for customers who want to fly on August 18 -- the day they have threatened to go on strike.

None of the airlines has asked travel agents not to book for August 18, according to Travel Agents Association of India President Rajji Rai.

"No airline has formally informed us to stop booking for August 18 so far," Rai said.

Jet Airways, Kingfisher and SpiceJet continue to sell tickets through their websites as well.

When contacted, the Jet Airways call centre made a mention of the "strike".

"There is a strike by private airlines on August 18. If you want, I can book the ticket for August 18 but, if need be, you will have to change the date of your travel for which there will be no charge," the Jet Airways representative said.

Kingfisher and SpiceJet, however, continued to sell tickets through their call centres as well.

Low-cost carrier IndiGo, which has already announced to operate its flights on August 18, is also accepting bookings for that date.