Official sources reported on Wednesday that at least 86 Air India Express flights were cancelled due to cabin crew members taking “mass sick leave.” Approximately three hundred senior cabin crew members turned off their phones and abruptly reported sick, leading to the cancellation of both international and domestic flights.

According to sources, the management of Air India Express is currently attempting to communicate with the crew, who are demonstrating against the new employment terms at the airline owned by the Tata Group. “Starting last night, a portion of our cabin crew suddenly reported sick, which caused delays and cancellations on our flights. A representative for Air India Express stated, “Our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests while we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences.”

“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,” said a spokesperson.

According to the airline, affected passengers will receive a complete refund or a free rescheduling to a different date. Several travellers voiced their dissatisfaction over the unexpected flight cancellations on social media. They claimed to know “no information” regarding the postponements.

On X, a “very disappointed” traveller claimed that he had arrived at the airport when word spread that his flight had been cancelled. “We sincerely regret any inconvenience”. In response to his post, Air India Express stated, “Please be informed that your flight has been cancelled due to operational reasons.”

Why the Crew of Air India Express Is Protesting?

Air India Express employees, an Air India division, have reportedly complained about unequal treatment following the company’s merger with Tata Group. They assert that despite passing interviews, some employees were given lower-paying jobs. According to sources, the crew has also claimed that important components of the compensation package have been changed or eliminated and that airline management is stifling any opposition. The airline is also in the process of combining itself with AIX Connect, which was previously known as AirAsia India.

The Air India Express crisis occurred one month after full-service carrier Vistara of the Tata Group experienced cancellations due to pilot issues. Pilot dissatisfaction had been simmering at Vistara, which is merging with Air India, because of the new contracts, which raised questions about the rosters of pilots operating flights and a part of their compensation packages.