NEW DELHI: Struggling state-run carrier Air India has grounded two of its pilots after a fight erupted betw­een the pair just before takeoff, reports said on Monday.

The co-pilot allegedly assaulted the captain inside the cockpit as they were preparing the passenger plane for takeoff from the Indian tourist city of Jaipur to New Delhi on Sunday night, the Hindustan Times newspaper said.

The co-pilot was irritated by his superior’s request to write down critical information for the flight, such as the number of passengers on board, take off weight and fuel uptake, the Times Of India reported.

“The co-pilot took offence at this and reportedly beat up the captain,” the newspaper said, quoting unnamed sources. “In the larger interest of the airline the commander decided to go ahead with the flight and flew to Delhi,” the daily added.

Published in Dawn April 7th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play