Kingfisher Airlines in rescue funding talks after tax probe causes flight cancellations In total 30 flights were cancelled on Monday, with a further 34 on Tuesday. Mr Mallya apologised to those customers affected by the cancellations. Speaking to Indian television's NDTV, he admitted that income tax authorities had frozen the airline's bank accounts. "We tried to reach as many [customers] as possible, we tried to make alternative bookings, refunds," Mr Mallya said. As well as Kingfisher Airlines, Mr Mallya controls United Spirits, one of the world's largest distillers. He is also active in Indian politics. Kingfisher Airlines is 40pc owned by United Breweries, Mr Mallya's holding company. Mr Mallya owns a 3pc stake in the airline directly. On top of his business interests Mr Mallya has also been involved in Formula 1 motor racing with the Force India team.