Low-cost carrier Air India Express has canceled flights for the second day running after around 300 cabin crew staff members called in sick.
On May 9, 2024, Air India Express announced that its passengers would face more disruptions due to the airline being forced to cancel around 85 flights and was subsequently being supported by parent company, Air India.
“We will be operating 283 flights today. We have mobilized all resources and Air India will support us by operating on 20 of our routes. However, 85 of our flights stand cancelled and we urge our guests booked to fly with us to check if their flight is affected by the disruption before heading to the airport,” Air India Express said in a statement.
According to the Financial Times, on May 8, 2023, Air India Express had to delay or cancel 87 flights following a mass exodus of staff due to sickness.
#ImportantUpdate
— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) May 8, 2024
We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused by unprecedented flight delays and cancellations. While we are working hard to minimise disruptions, please check your flight status before heading to the airport. If your flight is impacted, please reach out… pic.twitter.com/JySbD3trb0
The airline said it didn’t have “time to react” and it had been unable to reach absent cabin crew staff because their mobile phone had been switched off.
According to Reuters, the airline informed the news agency that it was “taking appropriate steps” against some staff members who reported being sick at the last minute.
Around 30 cabin crew have been sacked so far while others have been given an ultimatum to return to work by 16:00 today or face action, NDTV reported.
It is understood that employees at the airline are unhappy with new employment terms since the Tata Group took over the company in 2022.