Official sources reported on Wednesday that a minimum of 86 Air India Express flights were canceled due to the cabin crew members taking a “mass sick leave”. Approximately three hundred senior cabin crew members turned off their phones and abruptly reported sick, leading to the cancellation of both international and domestic flights.
According to sources, the management of Air India Express is currently attempting to communicate with the crew, who are demonstrating against the new employment terms at the airline owned by the Tata Group.
“A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.
The employees of Air India Express, a division of Air India, have reportedly complained about unequal treatment following the company’s merger with Tata Group. They assert that despite passing interviews, some employees were given lower-paying jobs.
According to sources, the crew has also claimed that important components of the compensation package have been changed or eliminated and that airline management is stifling any opposition.
According to the airline, affected passengers will receive a complete refund or a free rescheduling to a different date.
A number of travelers voiced their dissatisfaction over the unexpected flight cancellations on social media. They claimed to know “no information” regarding the postponements.