Flying On Air India Express? Your Flight Could Be Cancelled Due To Mass Sick Leave By Crew

If you are scheduled to fly on an Air India Express flight you should probably check with the airline before leaving for the airport. That is because the Tata Group-owned budget carrier on Wednesday cancelled over 70 flights due to crew shortage, after a section of them went on a mass sick leave. Flight disruptions have been reported from various airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Bangalore, resulting in some protests by passengers.

Passengers protest at airports

Across the three international airports in Kerala, passengers, mostly travelling to the Gulf nations, claimed that they were informed about the cancellations after they completed their security check and were waiting to board the flight.

Up to 300 Air India Express (AIX) crew reported sick for work : Around 78 Air India Express flights cancelled on domestic, international routes owing to mass sick leave.

Air India Express : "A section of cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, Teams¡­ pic.twitter.com/numDb58nbV

¡ª FL360aero (@fl360aero) May 8, 2024

While Air India Express has offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date, passengers are not happy with that.

REUTERS

Many of them claimed that they could lose their jobs if they do not reach their place of work today, while some others' work visas are about to expire.

Also read: Air India Express Crew Fulfils Boy's Request Of A Birthday Surprise For Mom

Section of cabin crew reported sick

Air India Express on Wednesday blamed the flight disruptions on mass ¡®sick leave¡¯ by a section of its crew.

"A section of our cabin crew reported sick at the last minute, starting last night (Tuesday), resulting in flight delays and cancellations. 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,¡± said the airline spokesperson.

AIR INDIA EXPRESS/ REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGE

Check flights before heading to airports

"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. Guests impacted by cancellations will be offered a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date. Guests flying with us today are requested to check if their flight is affected, before heading to the airport,¡± said the spokesperson.

Also read: Over 98 Per Cent Pilots Sign New Contracts, Vistara

Air India Express, which the Tata Group acquired in the Air India deal is in the process of being merged with AirAsia India. However, a section of the Air India Express crew is not happy with the changes and went on sick leave to mark their protest.

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