Mumbai: Taking a tough stand, government on April 26 decided to place under suspension 12 Air India pilots after the Indian Pilots Guild (IPG) refused to withdraw the directives for operating in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)-affected areas.

"We have no other option but to adopt this measure as we cannot allow any employee to hold the airline and the public to ransom," AI director, public relations, Jitendra Bhargava told reporters on April 26 night after IPG conveyed its decision not to withdraw its directives.

More than 50 pilots have been served with letters for their refusal to operate flights to Singapore, Hong Kong and Kuwait and would face disciplinary actions, he said.

PTI