Over 90 Air India Express flights cancelled as cabin crew stage mass sick leave

Air India Express faced significant disruptions as over 90 flights were cancelled since Tuesday night due to a mass sick leave taken by cabin crew members, according to official sources. The cancellations affected both international and domestic flights after around 300 senior cabin crew members suddenly reported sick and switched off their mobile phones.

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Sources within the airline revealed that the Air India Express management is currently trying to reach out to the protesting crew, who are dissatisfied with new employment terms at the Tata Group-owned airline. The crew’s discontentment stems from allegations of inequality in treatment following the merger with Tata Group. They claim that despite clearing interviews, some staff members were offered lower job positions, while key parts of the compensation package have been modified or removed. Additionally, there are allegations of suppression of dissenting voices by the airline management.

An Air India Express spokesperson acknowledged the situation, stating that a section of the cabin crew had called in sick at the last minute, leading to delays and cancellations. The airline is actively working to address the issue and minimise inconvenience to guests.

In response to the cancellations, the airline announced that passengers affected would be offered a full refund or the option to reschedule their flights for another date.

Several passengers took to their social media accounts to express their frustration over the sudden cancellations of their flights, highlighting that they had received no prior information about the changes. One passenger, described as “very disappointed,” shared his experience of arriving at the airport only to be informed that his flight was cancelled.

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In response to the complaints, Air India Express apologised for any inconvenience caused and explained that the cancellations were due to operational reasons. The airline assured passengers that it was working to address the situation.

The crisis at Air India Express occurs at a crucial time, coinciding with the ongoing merger process with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India). This unrest adds another layer of complexity to the merger, as cabin crew members protest against perceived injustices in their employment terms.

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This situation bears striking similarities to issues faced by Vistara, another Tata Group carrier, where pilots expressed discontent following its merger with Air India. At Vistara, there were concerns about rosters and changes to salary packages, leading to dissatisfaction among the pilot workforce. These parallel challenges highlight broader issues within the aviation industry as companies navigate mergers and organisational changes.

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