Vinay Karanam Approximately 86 Air India Express flights were cancelled after senior cabin crew members went on mass sick leave, turning off their mobile phones at the last minute, according to official sources on Wednesday. The cancellations affected both international and domestic flights.
The sudden cancellations arose from about 300 senior cabin crew members protesting against the new employment terms at the Tata Group-owned airline. The Air India Express management is currently attempting to communicate with the crew to address their concerns.
An Air India Express spokesperson acknowledged the disruptions caused by the sick leave, expressing apologies to affected passengers. The airline assured passengers impacted by cancellations of a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date.
Passengers took to social media platforms to express their frustrations over the lack of information regarding flight cancellations. One passenger, who reached the airport only to discover his flight was cancelled, shared his disappointment online.
The crew’s protest stems from allegations of unequal treatment following the merger with Tata Group, where some staff members were reportedly offered lower job positions despite clearing interviews. Additionally, concerns have been raised about modifications to compensation packages and perceived suppression of dissenting voices within the airline management.
The crisis at Air India Express follows recent disruptions at Vistara, another Tata Group carrier, due to pilot discontentment over new contracts and rostering concerns amid the ongoing merger with Air India.
