Air India Express faced significant disruptions as more than 200 senior crew members went on leave, resulting in the cancellation of over 80 flights from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning. The sudden mass leave, citing illness, has prompted the airline to advise passengers to verify their flight status before heading to the airport. The situation underscores deeper issues of employee discontent and concerns over salary discrepancies within the airline industry.
Employee Grievances and Unequal Treatment:
Sources reveal that Air India Express employees had previously raised concerns about disharmony within the company. A letter addressed to Tata Group Chairman N Chandrasekaran highlighted grievances stemming from the removal of various allowances, such as house rent pay (HRA), following the airline’s merger with the Tata Group. Despite the company’s consistent profitability, employees experienced significant salary cuts, leading to dissatisfaction among the workforce.
Impact on Passengers:
Passengers traveling with Air India Express have been advised to check their flight status before departing for the airport due to potential cancellations caused by the shortage of cabin crew. The airline has assured affected passengers of full refunds or the option to reschedule their flights without incurring additional charges. However, the uncertainty surrounding flight operations underscores the inconvenience faced by travelers amidst the ongoing disruptions.
Industry-wide Challenges:
The challenges faced by Air India Express echo broader issues within the aviation sector. Tata Group’s second airline, Vistara, encountered similar problems last month, with 110 flight cancellations and over 160 delays attributed to a shortage of pilots. The decision to reduce flights until the pilot shortage is addressed reflects the systemic challenges impacting airline operations across the industry.
