Representatives of striking Air India staff and top officials of the financially-drained carrier are to hold talks here on Wednesday in a bid to end the standoff that has left thousands of passengers across the country stranded with as many as 80 flights cancelled since morning.

"We were invited by the management for talks. We are going to attend it. We will also be meeting the chief labour commissioner and place our demands," said JB Kadian, general secretary of Air Corporation Employees Union (ACEU).