Kingfisher Airlines finds its wings clipped

Kingfisher Airlines, part of Whyte & Mackay owner Vijay Mallya’s business empire, yesterday admitted it had cancelled some flights as workers protested over late salary payments.

The Indian carrier said it was operating about 80 per cent of its current flight schedule, thought to be 160 flights compared with 400 six months ago.

Many of Kingfisher’s pilots called in sick at various places around India to protest against delayed salaries. Kingfisher Airlines has been struggling to continue its normal operations as a heavy debt load, higher jet fuel costs, stiff competition and low fares hampered its ability to raise funds.