Air India Express Flight Cancellations: Understanding the Crew’s Concerns

Recent disruptions to Air India Express flights have left passengers stranded and seeking answers as over 100 flights were cancelled due to a “mass sick leave” taken by senior cabin crew members. This unexpected situation has sparked questions about the underlying issues faced by the airline’s crew.

The cancellations, caused by approximately 300 senior cabin crew members reporting sick at the last minute and switching off their mobile phones, have been attributed to protests against new employment terms at the Tata Group-owned airline. The crew members are raising concerns about perceived inequalities in the treatment of staff following the merger with Tata Group.

Allegations include claims of staff being offered lower job positions despite qualifying in interviews, modifications or removal of key parts of compensation packages, and management actions to silence dissenting voices.

In response to the disruptions, the Air India Express management is actively engaging with the affected crew members to address their grievances and minimize inconvenience to passengers. The airline has expressed regret for the disruption and assured affected passengers of full refunds or rescheduling options.

Passengers, taken by surprise by the sudden cancellations, have expressed frustration on social media platforms. Reports indicate a lack of clear communication regarding flight cancellations, leaving passengers in limbo upon reaching the airport.

The situation at Air India Express mirrors recent challenges faced by other airlines, including Vistara, amidst merger processes and evolving employment terms. At Vistara, concerns among pilots have surfaced regarding rosters and salary packages following its merger with Air India.

Efforts are underway to resolve the issues at Air India Express and restore normal operations. As passengers await clarity and resolution, transparency and effective communication from the airline are essential to rebuilding trust and ensuring a positive travel experience.

We hope for swift and amicable resolutions to address the concerns of all parties involved, ensuring the smooth functioning of Air India Express and the comfort and safety of its passengers.