DGCA action 'excessive', we stand by suspended pilot, says Air India

The airline will assist the pilot in appealing against the order

Air India said on Tuesday that it will be assisting the pilot in command of the New York-Delhi flight of November 26, on which the first urination incident took place, in appealing against last week's decision of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to suspend his licence for three months for "failing to discharge his duties".

Meanwhile, six employee unions of Air India on Tuesday sent a joint petition to the DGCA to withdraw the pilot's suspension, calling it "harsh punishment".

In a statement, the airline said: "In light of the mitigating circumstances and the financial detriment already incurred by