New Delhi, Aug 10 (IANS) The government Wednesday said the national carrier Air India had the maximum number of flight cancellations - 2,753 flights - in the first six months of the year.

"Air India had 740 and 1,848 cancellations in April and May, 2011, primarily due to pilot strike from April 27 to May 6, 2011," Civil Aviation Minister Vayalar Ravi informed the Lok Sabha.

Other airlines with high number of flight cancellations include Kingfisher Airlines at 682 flights, followed by Jet Airways at 540 flights and JetLite at 381 flights.

According to the minister, steps have been taken to protect passengers interest by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) which had earlier issued civil aviation requirements (CAR) regulations which ensures compensation to the passengers in case of denied boarding, cancellations and delays.

"All the airlines are providing compensation and facilities to the affected passengers in accordance with applicable provisions of the CAR," the minister said.

Replying to another question, Ravi said that cancellations and delays occur due to technical snags or adverse weather conditions.

"At times the flights are cancelled due to watch hour restrictions, weather, technical reasons beyond the control of the airlines," the minister said.