After speculation that Air India may suspend operations over the stalemate with the striking pilots, the Civil Aviation Ministry late tonight ruled out a shutdown of the airline and asked the management to enter into a "comprehensive dialogue" with all sections of employees. The Ministry also appealed to the Executive pilots to immediately end their strike which entered the third-day today disrupting another 40 flights.

The pilots of the cash-strapped airline are protesting against the cut in the Productivity Linked Incentives(PLI). In significant comments, it said the "government support" is coming but will be linked to a proper turn-around plan including cost-cutting in revenue enhancement.

Striking a conciliatory note, Civil Aviation Secretary M Madhavan Nambiar said the AI management has not taken any decision on the cut of the PLI or any allowance of the unionised section of the employees. A decision regarding the executive employees will be taken only after the committee set up to look into this matter has examined all aspects in consultation with the employees, he said.

There were reports that Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel spoke to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the AI crisis which has led to disruption of flights. Noting that the disruption is causing problem to the travelling public and bringing disrepute to the airlines, the statement said all the employees must cooperate with the management for the turnaround of the company.

" We will advise the management to enter into a comprehensive dialogue with all section of employees." Earlier, sources in the airline in Delhi and Mumbai said Air India was mulling suspending its operations for about 15 days from midnight tonight after fresh talks with the striking Executive pilots failed to break the three-day deadlock over cut in PLI.