An Indian airline has sacked two of its pilots for fighting in the cockpit during a New Year’s Day flight from London to Mumbai.

The airline, Jet Airways, in a statement said that the cause of the fight is yet to be ascertained but the male pilot allegedly slapped the female during the incident.

It said: “We have terminated the services of both the cockpit crew with immediate effect.”

The company did not release further details.

Indian media had reported the male pilot slapped his female co-pilot during an argument in the cockpit and that she emerged crying and for a time refused to return to the cockpit.

The flight, which was carrying 324 passengers and 14 crew members, landed safely. (Fox News/NAN)