Jet Airways pilots grounded after mid-flight altercation

Jet Airways confirmed reports that a "misunderstanding" between two cockpit crew members on a New Year's Day flight from London to Mumbai led to both pilots being grounded, adding that those involved had been stripped of their duties, pending an investigation.

The flight, which was carrying 324 people, landed safely in Mumbai after a scuffle ensued when, according to witnesses, a male pilot allegedly slapped a female pilot, leading her to leave the cockpit in tears.

An official at the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said that the pilots had left the cockpit completely unattended twice during the altercation, a breach of safety regulations.

Jet said on Thursday that the incident had been reported to the DGCA, noting it had "zero tolerance for any action of its employees that compromises safety."

"At Jet Airways, [the] safety of guests, crew and assets is of paramount importance," a spokesperson told the BBC.

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