Monday, February 13 2006 14:12 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Air Sahara's services continued to be affected today with the cancellation of at least five flights from here as a section of its pilots went on leave protesting 'reduced' pay packets following the airline's takeover by Jet Airways.

Talks between the Air Sahara management and the pilots continued today but there was no official word on its outcome.

As a contingency measure, the airline combined some flights today (Feb 13,2006) and pressed into service the Executive Pilots, who are on managerial positions, to minimize cancellations.

Air Sahara, which was sold to Jet Airways last month for Rs 2300 crore, had to accommodate its passengers in Jet Airways and the public sector Indian.

The airline has stopped its booking of passengers in its flights from Mumbai and Kolkata for the next two days, the sources said.

Asked whether legal action would be taken against the pilots, Air Sahara Executive Vice President Alok Sharma said, "There was no need as they were on sick leave. But if there is any malafide, we will take necessary action."