Air India express faces flight cancellations; recovery expected by weekend

On Thursday, Air India Express (AIX) experienced the cancellation of more than seven percent of its flights, attributed to ongoing operational challenges. Sources within the company revealed that these cancellations were part of a strategic plan to stabilize operations following a significant sick leave taken by cabin crew members. This development follows the recent conclusion of a strike by cabin crew personnel.

According to sources familiar with the matter, efforts are underway to ensure a return to normalcy by the weekend. However, this optimism comes in the wake of a series of challenges faced by the airline in recent weeks.

The catalyst for these disruptions can be traced back to May 7th when over 200 cabin crew members initiated a mass sick leave, citing concerns over job security, salary maintenance, and acknowledgment of their experience and seniority. These grievances arose during the transition from AirAsia to AIX, highlighting a perceived deviation from previously made commitments.

In response to the escalating situation, the AIX Employees Union (AIXEU) sought the intervention of the Delhi Chief Labour Commissioner (CLS). In a letter addressed to the commissioner, AIXEU President K.K. Vijayakumar expressed concerns regarding the ongoing operational issues within the airline. The letter specifically highlighted the continued flight cancellations and delays despite the conciliation meeting held on May 9th, where all cabin crew members were expected to resume their duties.

The letter underscored the discrepancy between the agreed-upon resolution and the persisting challenges faced by the airline, particularly citing "crew constraints" as the primary reason for the ongoing disruptions.

Furthermore, the termination of employment for 25 cabin crew members by AIX exacerbated tensions, leading to further disruptions. However, following the intervention of the Chief Labour Commissioner, these employees were reinstated, albeit underscoring the underlying tensions within the company.

The aftermath of the mass sick leave continues to reverberate through AIX, with hundreds of flights being canceled in its wake. Despite these challenges, the airline remains optimistic about restoring full operations by the weekend, albeit acknowledging the complexities involved in overcoming the current hurdles.