- Air India Express flights were cancelled after about 300 senior cabin crew members reported sick at the last minute and switched off their mobile phones.
- This marks the second instance in approximately a month that a Tata Group-owned airline encountered significant flight disruptions, echoing similar issues faced by Vistara earlier.
- An Air India Express official shed light on the underlying causes, attributing the unrest to perceived injustices in job allocations, promotions, and internal operations favouring personnel from AirAsia India.
- The airline management is now engaged in efforts to communicate with the protesting crew members, who are contesting the new employment terms imposed by the Tata Group.
- Air India Express operates over 2,500 flights weekly across 31 domestic and 14 international airports, boasting a fleet of over 70 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s.
- The disruption at Air India Express follows closely on the heels of similar issues at Vistara, which faced cancellations due to pilot concerns amid its merger with Air India.
In a substantial upheaval within the aviation sector, Air India Express grappled with the unprecedented cancellation of 86 flights due to a mass sick leave undertaken by its cabin crew members. This sudden disruption in air travel, affecting both domestic and international routes, stemmed from approximately 300 senior cabin crew members reporting sick at the eleventh hour, rendering communication channels inactive by switching off their mobile phones.
This marks the second instance in approximately a month that a Tata Group-owned airline encountered significant flight disruptions, echoing similar issues faced by Vistara earlier. The current turmoil within Air India Express underscores simmering discontent among its workforce, with grievances centering on alleged mistreatment and discrimination following the merger with Tata Group-owned entities.
An Air India Express official shed light on the underlying causes, attributing the unrest to perceived injustices in job allocations, promotions, and internal operations favouring personnel from AirAsia India. The dissatisfaction, compounded by what employees perceive as a lack of responsiveness from management, culminated in this drastic demonstration.
The airline management is now engaged in efforts to communicate with the protesting crew members, who are contesting the new employment terms imposed by the Tata Group. A spokesperson for Air India Express expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to passengers, promising full refunds or alternative scheduling options for affected travellers.
Passenger frustration found voice on social media platforms, with many expressing dismays over the lack of prior notice regarding flight cancellations. Some passengers even arrived at airports only to discover that their flights had been called off, exacerbating the inconvenience caused.
The crew’s protest stems from grievances regarding unequal treatment following the merger, including disparities in job assignments and alterations to compensation packages. Allegations of management stifling dissenting voices further underscore the depth of discontent within the workforce.
Moreover, the ongoing merger process with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) adds complexity to the situation, reflecting broader challenges in integrating diverse work cultures and practices.
Air India Express operates over 2,500 flights weekly across 31 domestic and 14 international airports, boasting a fleet of over 70 aircraft comprising Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. “There are major cancellations at all airports in southern India,” a second official confirmed, highlighting the widespread impact of the disruption.
The Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), a registered body representing senior cabin crew members, has been vocal in condemning what they perceive as mismanagement by the airline owner, alleging adverse effects on employee morale.
The disruption at Air India Express follows closely on the heels of similar issues at Vistara, which faced cancellations due to pilot concerns amid its merger with Air India. Pilots at Vistara had raised objections to contract terms, particularly concerning flight schedules and salary structures, indicative of broader labor challenges within the aviation industry.
As the airline endeavors to navigate these turbulent waters, addressing the root causes of employee dissatisfaction and fostering open dialogue with its workforce emerge as imperative steps towards restoring operational stability and ensuring consistent service excellence.
(With inputs from agencies)
