More than 70 Air India Express flights, both domestic and international, were cancelled from Tuesday (May 7) night to Wednesday (May 8) morning and several others were delayed.
Following this, an Air India Express spokesperson has requested travellers flying with the airline on Wednesday (May 8) to check if their flight is affected, before heading to the airport.
But why are Air India Express flights getting cancelled?
The Tata Group-owned airline has cited a section of its cabin crew who “reported sick at the last minute” starting Tuesday night, as the reason for the cancellations.
Meanwhile, news agency ANI quoted sources in the aviation industry, who said that Air India Express’ international and domestic flights have been cancelled after senior crew members of the airline went on “mass sick leave”.
Sources to another news agency, PTI, said Air India Express flights have been cancelled due to a shortage of cabin crew members as a section of them are reporting sick to protest against alleged mismanagement.
As per reports, there has been discontentment brewing among a section of the cabin crew for some time now, especially since the start of the merger proceedings of Air India Express (AIX) Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself.
In April, Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), a registered union claiming to represent around 300 cabin crew members, mostly seniors, alleged that the airline is being mismanaged and there is a lack of equality in the treatment of the staff.
What Air India Express is saying about flight cancellation?
“A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations,” said Air India Express, addressing the mounting concerns of its fliers.
“While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result. We sincerely apologise to our guests for this unexpected disruption and emphasise that this situation does not reflect the standard of service we strive to provide,” the airline said.
Will travelers of cancelled Air India Express flights get refund?
As per the spokesperson of Air India Express, “guests impacted by cancellations will be offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date.”
Angry passengers take to social media
Taking to X, several Air India Express passengers expressed their anger.
One of the users posted a video from Delhi Airport where passengers gathered in front of Air India Express counter for clarification after the airline “cancelled 3 flights to Goa, Guwahati and Srinagar last moment and refused to provide any alternatives.”
Another stranded passenger complained of no updates from the airline and customer care not answering to calls either.
Another user asked travellers “not to book tickets in Air India Express” following the delay and cancellation of flights after crew members reported sick at the last minute and “switched off their mobile phones”.
With inputs from agencies
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Over 70 Air India Express flights cancelled at last moment, more expected today; here’s why
