Air India Express Dismisses 30 Employees Amid Mass Sick Leave, Issues Ultimatum to Remainder

Air India Express has taken decisive action, dismissing at least 30 cabin crew members following a tumultuous sequence of events. The move comes in the wake of nearly 300 employees staging a mass absence by calling in sick and switching off their phones, leading to extensive flight disruptions. Sources suggest that the number of terminations could rise further, with management issuing an ultimatum for employees to return to work by 4 pm or face consequences.

Today, the airline faced the cancellation of 85 flights, amplifying the crisis for this low-cost subsidiary of Air India, now under the ownership of the Tata group. The turmoil stems from protests among employees regarding new employment terms. Allegations of unequal treatment and discrepancies in job roles and compensation packages have surfaced, exacerbating tensions within the workforce. These developments unfold amidst the ongoing merger with AIX Connect, formerly known as AirAsia India.

For the Tata group, this crisis marks another challenge, coming shortly after disruptions at Vistara due to pilot protests over various issues, including flight scheduling and changes in pay structures.

In response to the situation, Air India Express has emphasized its efforts to minimize inconvenience to passengers, with 283 flights operating today. Additional support from Air India on 20 routes has been secured. However, the cancellation of 85 flights underscores the severity of the disruptions. Passengers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport and are offered options for refunds or rescheduling without fees.

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In a statement, Air India Express acknowledged ongoing engagement with cabin crew to address concerns but emphasized taking appropriate action against individuals whose actions have severely inconvenienced passengers. The termination letters issued cite the mass leave as a deliberate and unjustifiable action, causing substantial disruption, reputational damage, and financial loss.

The airline vows to continue dialogue with employees while upholding its commitment to passenger welfare and operational stability in the face of this challenging situation.