Air India Express Disrupts Flights as Cabin Crew Call in Sick
Air India Express faced significant disruptions this week as approximately 100 cabin crew members called in sick, leading to the cancellation of 85 flights since Tuesday evening. The sudden absence of crew members has left thousands of passengers stranded and forced the budget carrier to scramble to minimize the impact on travellers.
In response to the unforeseen situation, Air India Express issued a statement on Thursday, expressing its efforts to mitigate the inconvenience caused to passengers. The airline assured passengers that it is taking necessary steps to address the situation and is exploring options to manage the disruption effectively.
According to sources familiar with the incident, the sudden sick calls occurred “at the very last minute” on Tuesday, catching the airline off guard. While the exact reasons for the mass sick leave remain undisclosed, it is speculated that discontent among some cabin crew members regarding recent changes, such as the implementation of a merit-based performance system, might have contributed to the situation.
Air India Express, a subsidiary of Air India, has been undergoing changes since its privatization over two years ago. The recent disruptions highlight ongoing challenges in the airline’s transition process, particularly concerning employee satisfaction and operational stability.
In efforts to assist affected passengers, Air India Express announced that travellers whose flights were cancelled or delayed by more than three hours could avail full refunds or reschedule their flights without additional charges. Additionally, Air India pledged support to its subsidiary by operating flights on 20 routes to mitigate the impact of the disruption.
As the airline works to address the situation and restore normal operations, passengers are advised to stay updated on flight statuses and communicate with the airline for assistance with their travel arrangements.
