New Delhi [India], Apr 16 (ANI): Civil Aviation Minister Suresh Prabhu on Tuesday said he has directed the Secretary of the Ministry of Civil Aviation Pradeep Singh Kharola to review issues related to Jet Airways, including increase in airfare and cancellation of flights, and take necessary steps to protect passengers' rights and safety.

"Directed Secretary @MoCA_GoI to review issues related to Jet Airways, especially increasing fares, flight cancellations etc. Asked him to take necessary steps to protect passenger rights and safety; to work with all stakeholders for their well being," Prabhu tweeted.

His directions came a day after the beleaguered Jet Airways suspended all its international flights till April 18, as it has put forth the demand of interim funding from a group of lenders headed by the State Bank of India (SBI).

"The interim funding has not been forthcoming thus far, and as a result of this, we have extended cancellation of international operations through Thursday, April 18," Jet Airways Chairman Vinay Dubey said in a statement yesterday.

The management will apprise the board about its engagement with the lenders in a meeting today.

Burdened with high operating costs and a huge debt, the airline has been facing the biggest crisis in its history.

An SBI-led consortium took over the debt-ridden airlines after chairman and founder Naresh Goyal stepped down from the Board on March 25. (ANI)