New Delhi: Air India on Friday requested its crew members to immediately join work at a time when the airline has been forced to cancel and reroute a number of US and Europe-bound flights due to closure of Pakistan airspace since February 27.

Executive Director of Air India Madhu Mathen in a letter on Friday, said "I would like to assure you that there will be dramatic improvement in the situation in a few weeks, however, today, on behalf of the chairman I would like to earnestly appeal to all cabin crew to immediately rally behind the company in this hour of crisis.” He further said "Those who are on sanctioned leave must also try to voluntarily report for duty. Looking forward to your positive response.

IRCTC offers concessional Ticket for these categories…read inside

Inactive crew members includes employees who are on any kind of leave be it casual, medical or privilege.

As Pakistan keeps its airspace closed since the Indian Air Force strikes on a terrorist camp in Balakot on February 26, the operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, has increased significantly as it is has to take longer routes.

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Air India on Thursday announced it would combine the Mumbai-New York flight with its Mumbai-Newark flight from March 16 to May 31.