Air India Express, a low-cost subsidiary of Air India, recently faced disruptions in its operations, leading to the cancellation of 85 flights due to mass sick leave by cabin crew. This affected almost one-quarter of the airline’s flying program, with 283 flights scheduled to operate on Thursday. The airline has advised customers to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport and offered options for refunds or rescheduling for affected passengers. The cancellations were initially planned to continue until May 13, but the cabin crew has since ended their protest as the airline agreed to address their concerns.
The cabin crew’s mass absence occurred amidst the merger of Air India Express with AIX Connect, previously known as AirAsia India, as part of Tata Sons’ consolidation of its airline business. Allegations of mismanagement, including unequal treatment of staff and internal job postings being filled by external candidates, have fueled the discontent among employees. Changes in compensation packages as the airline prepares for the merger have also contributed to the dissatisfaction among the cabin crew. In response to the protest, Air India Express reportedly issued termination letters to 25 cabin crew members and set a deadline for the remaining crew to resume duties to avoid termination, which has since been withdrawn.
Similar protests have been seen among pilots of Vistara, another airline being merged with Air India by Tata Sons to form a single full-service carrier. Vistara had to cancel over 150 flights and delay more than 200 flights due to crew unavailability caused by stretched rosters and revised pay structures. The new pay structure reduced guaranteed flying hours for First Officers, leading to salary cuts for some employees. Air India Express employees have also faced pay cuts ahead of the merger, with benefits like house rent allowances removed from the compensation structure, resulting in significant cuts to their pay packages despite the airline’s profitability.
The Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has requested a report from Air India Express regarding the mass cancellations and has urged the airline to resolve the issue promptly. The disruptions in operations come at a time when the airline sector is gearing up for a peak travel period. The airline has mobilized resources to ensure continued operations and has received support from Air India to operate on some routes. Air India Express has expressed its commitment to addressing concerns raised by the cabin crew while taking appropriate steps against individuals whose actions have caused inconvenience to passengers.
The disruptions at Air India Express highlight the challenges faced by airlines amidst mergers and restructuring efforts within the industry. The protests by cabin crew and pilots underscore the importance of effective communication and management strategies during periods of change. As airlines navigate through these transitions, maintaining employee morale and addressing concerns will be crucial in ensuring smooth operations and customer satisfaction. The airline sector’s performance, as indicated by the ST200 index, reflects the financial impact of these disruptions on global markets and the need for strategic decision-making to drive growth and stability in the industry.
