Air India Express has taken drastic action following a mass sick leave incident by terminating the employment of approximately 25 staff members who failed to report for duty on Wednesday. The airline faced significant disruptions due to the absence of cabin crew members, leading to over 90 flight cancellations and delays, stranding numerous passengers at various airports since Tuesday night.
Termination Letter Contents
According to the termination letter issued to the Air India Express employees, the act of reporting sick for duty was seen as a coordinated effort to disrupt flight operations and services. The airline expressed that such actions violated both applicable laws and the Air India Express Limited Employees’ Service Rules.
Air India Express to Curtail Flights
In response to the ongoing crew shortage, Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh announced plans to curtail flights in the coming days. Singh highlighted the significant impact of last-minute sick reports by over 100 cabin crew members, severely disrupting the airline’s operations.
Civil Aviation Ministry Seeks Report
The civil aviation ministry has intervened, seeking a detailed report from Air India Express regarding the flight cancellations and delays. The ministry emphasized the importance of resolving operational issues promptly and ensuring passenger facilities in accordance with DGCA norms. Amidst ongoing merger discussions with AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India), Air India Express is striving to maintain its daily flight schedule, which amounts to 360 flights per day during the summer season.
Union Allegations of Mismanagement and Inequality
Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), representing a portion of the cabin crew, has voiced concerns over alleged mismanagement and unequal treatment within the airline. The union, claiming to represent around 300 cabin crew members, cited morale issues stemming from organizational mismanagement.
Industry-wide Challenges
The incident at Air India Express follows similar challenges faced by other airlines, such as Vistara, which recently encountered pilot shortages, leading to a temporary reduction in flight capacity. Notably, Tata Group is in the process of consolidating its airline ventures, including the merger of Air India Express and AIX Connect, along with Vistara and Air India.
Passenger Discontent
Passengers affected by the sudden flight cancellations by Air India Express have expressed their grievances on social media platforms. The disruptions have underscored the need for effective management and contingency plans within the aviation industry to mitigate the impact on travelers.
