Air India Express Strike Ends: Cabin Crew to Resume Duties
The recent strike by Air India Express cabin crew has come to an end following discussions with the airline management, bringing relief to hundreds of affected passengers. According to reports, the airline has agreed to address the concerns raised by the crew and withdraw termination letters issued to 25 cabin crew members.
The strike, which lasted two and a half days, resulted in numerous flight cancellations after a section of cabin crew reported sick in protest against alleged mismanagement. This led to a sudden shortage of cabin crew, impacting flight operations and inconveniencing travelers.
In response to the disruptions, Air India Express apologized to affected passengers and offered refunds or alternative flight bookings. The airline has also decided to curtail flights until May 13 and has enlisted Air India’s services on 20 of its routes to mitigate the impact of the strike.
Following productive discussions, Air India Express issued a statement welcoming the cabin crew back to work and expressing a commitment to swiftly restore normal flight operations. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport, and affected individuals may opt for refunds or rescheduling without fees.
The protesting cabin crew cited various issues, including concerns related to the merger with AIX Connect (formerly Air Asia), room sharing policies, lack of support, revised salary structures, and alleged differential treatment of experienced crew members.
The civil aviation ministry has requested a report from Air India Express regarding the flight disruptions, highlighting the importance of resolving internal issues to ensure uninterrupted air travel services.
In conclusion, the resolution of the strike represents a positive step towards addressing the grievances of the cabin crew and restoring normalcy to Air India Express operations. Both parties have expressed willingness to cooperate, signaling a commitment to improving working conditions and maintaining reliable air services for passengers.
