Air India Express Faces Major Disruptions as Crew Takes 'Mass Sick Leave'

Air India Express, a prominent name in India's aviation sector, found itself in turmoil as over 90 flights were abruptly cancelled due to a mass sick leave taken by its cabin crew. The cancellations, which started Tuesday night, resulted from approximately 300 senior cabin crew members reporting sick at the eleventh hour and disconnecting their mobile phones, leaving the airline management scrambling to address the issue.

The root cause of this unprecedented action lies in the discontent among the crew regarding the new terms of employment introduced at the Tata Group-owned airline, following its merger. The crew has raised concerns about what they perceive as unequal treatment and changes in compensation packages, leading to a sense of disenchantment among the staff.

An official spokesperson from Air India Express expressed regret over the disruptions caused to passengers and assured that efforts were underway to resolve the situation swiftly. Passengers affected by cancellations were offered options such as full refunds or rescheduling to alternative dates, aiming to minimize inconvenience.

Social media platforms buzzed with complaints from passengers caught off-guard by the sudden cancellations, reflecting the widespread impact of the crew's action. Some passengers, like one individual identified as X, shared their frustration online after arriving at the airport only to discover their flights had been cancelled without prior notice.

The ongoing protests within Air India Express echo similar discontent seen recently at Vistara, another Tata Group carrier, where pilot concerns led to flight cancellations. These incidents underscore broader challenges within the aviation industry, particularly regarding employee relations amidst mergers and contractual changes.

The current unrest at Air India Express also draws attention to regulatory issues, as the airline faced a show cause notice from the Union Labour Ministry in December 2023 over alleged violations related to disputes between management and cabin crew members. These issues, including grievances about accommodation during layovers and service contract curtailments, highlight deeper tensions that need resolution.

As Air India Express navigates through these challenges, industry observers and passengers alike watch closely, hoping for swift resolutions and stable operations, especially during critical periods like the summer schedule.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds, reflecting the dynamic landscape of India's aviation sector.

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