Air India Express has been experiencing significant challenges in its flight operations as more than 90 international and domestic flights have been impacted by the sudden absence of cabin crew members reporting sick. The airline's CEO, Aloke Singh, expressed that this disruption has forced them to curtail flight schedules to manage the non-availability of crew and to recover from the operational setbacks.
Singh emphasized that the disruptive behavior exhibited by a portion of the cabin crew does not reflect the dedication of the majority of the 2,000-plus cabin crew members who diligently serve the airline's guests. He acknowledged the support of those who continue to stand by the airline during this crisis and called for open discussions with the staff to address any concerns that may have led to the disruptions. The Ministry of Civil Aviation has taken note of the situation, requesting Air India Express to submit a comprehensive report on the flight cancellations and delays and urging the airline to swiftly address the issues to ensure smooth operations.
Sources within the ministry revealed that the flight disruptions began on Tuesday night and extended into Wednesday morning, leading to grounded flights on both domestic and international routes. The shortage of crew members resulted in last-minute cancellations, with some senior crew members reportedly switching off their mobile phones, citing health issues, just before scheduled flight operations. The Ministry has also advised the airline to ensure that passengers are provided with necessary facilities in line with the norms set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.