Air India Express has been hit by a wave of flight cancellations as around 300 senior cabin crew members reported sick and switched off their mobile phones at the last minute. This mass sick leave is a protest against the new employment terms introduced by the Tata Group-owned airline. The cancellations have affected 86 international and domestic flights, leaving passengers stranded and frustrated.
Air India Express management is working to reach out to the protesting crew members and address their concerns. The airline has apologized to passengers for the disruption caused and assured them that efforts are being made to minimize inconvenience. Passengers impacted by the cancellations will be offered options for a full refund or rescheduling.
The cabin crew members allege that the merger with Tata Group has resulted in unequal treatment, with some staff members being offered lower job positions despite clearing interviews. They also claim that key parts of the compensation package have been modified or removed, and dissenting voices within the airline are being suppressed.
This incident follows recent flight cancellations at Vistara, another Tata Group airline, due to pilot woes. Pilots at Vistara expressed discontentment over new contracts related to flight schedules and salary packages.
Both Air India Express and Vistara are currently undergoing mergers, adding to the complexity of the situations. Passengers hope for swift resolutions to restore normal operations and prioritize their travel experience.
