The Jet spokesperson said as per the directions of the Regional Labour Commissioner (RLC), the airline has been in a conciliation process with the pilots.

The RLC has categorically stated that any strike by the pilots during pendency of the conciliation would be deemed as illegal under the Industrial Disputes Act.

After withdrawing the strike, the pilots resorted to a simulated strike by reporting sick Tuesday.

So far, 163 captains and 198 first officers reported sick, disrupting the flight schedules across the country and causing inconvenience for over 20,000 passengers.

The airline was forced to cancel 186 flights, including 32 on international routes, though it said it made efforts to help passengers by clubbing flights, accommodating them on alternate flights, rebooking, or offering full refund.