Jet pilots are expected to meet the Director General of Civil Aviation, a senior civil aviation ministry official said Wednesday. The directorate has asked states to see if it is necessary to invoke the Essential Service Maintenance Act (ESMA) if the agitation continues.

The government is expected to meet Jet Airways officials sometime later in the day. It could also give clearance to the national carrier Air India to add flights to carry Jet Airways passengers.

Jet Airways officials have said that they have been able to maintain their international operations. However, it had to cancel 16 international flights Tuesday after the pilots reported sick.