Are you flying with Air India Express anytime soon? Brace yourself for potential travel disruptions! The low-cost airline, a subsidiary of Tata Group-owned Air India, has been grappling with a wave of flight cancellations due to an ongoing protest by a section of its cabin crew. Here’s a breakdown of the situation and what you need to know if your flight is affected.
Understanding the Crew Protest:
Discontentment amongst Air India Express cabin crew members reportedly stems from concerns regarding new employment terms. Sources claim the crew is unhappy with perceived inequalities in treatment and changes to their compensation packages. This dissatisfaction culminated in mass sick leave on Tuesday, significantly impacting flight operations.
Flight Cancellations and Passenger Woes:
In response to the cabin crew shortage, Air India Express was forced to cancel over 100 flights, affecting approximately 15,000 passengers. The airline took a hard line, terminating around 30 crew members who called in sick and issuing an ultimatum to others to return to duty or face termination. This resulted in further cancellations, with 85 flights grounded on Thursday.
Air India Steps In and Minimizes Damage:
Recognizing the inconvenience caused to passengers, Air India, the parent company, stepped in to mitigate the crisis. They mobilized resources and operated flights on 20 of Air India Express’s routes, offering some respite to stranded travelers. Additionally, Air India Express offered passengers on cancelled flights the option of a full refund or rescheduling without any additional charges.
How to Stay Updated and Manage Disruptions:
If you have an upcoming Air India Express flight, it’s crucial to stay updated on the situation. Here are some steps you can take:
- Check the Air India Express website: The airline’s website offers a “Flight Status” section where you can enter your booking reference number to confirm the status of your flight in real-time.
- Contact Air India Express Customer Support: You can reach out to the airline’s customer support team via phone or their website’s “Support” section for assistance. They can provide the latest information on your flight and help you rebook if necessary.
- Monitor Social Media: Air India Express might share updates about cancellations and disruptions on their social media channels like Twitter and Facebook.
Looking Ahead: A Resolution in Sight?
While the situation remains fluid, there are signs that a resolution might be on the horizon. With Air India stepping in and the airline taking a firm stance against the crew’s protest tactics, a return to normalcy could be imminent. However, passengers are advised to stay vigilant and check their flight status before heading to the airport.