Civil Aviation Ministry seeks report on Air India Express flight cancellations

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has sought a report from Air India Express regarding recent flight cancellations caused by a large number of crew members calling in sick to protest alleged mismanagement at the airline.

More than 70 flights have been canceled by Air India Express since Tuesday, May 7 evening due to cabin crew availability issues.

A source told CNBC-TV18 on Wednesday that the ministry had sought a report from Air India Express regarding the flight cancellation and sought early resolution of the underlying issues.

The airline has been asked to comply with DGCA regulations by providing necessary facilities to passengers affected by the cancellations.

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Air India Express cabin crew ‘sick leave’ affects over 70 domestic and international routes

The abrupt cancellation of more than 70 international Air India Express flights has sparked protests from passengers at airports in the southern state of Kerala. VD Satheesan, Leader of Opposition in Kerala, has written to Union Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, highlighting the plight of passengers and urging him to take immediate steps to arrange alternative travel options for those affected.

“In these urgent circumstances, I urge your prompt intervention to alleviate the situation caused by the unjustifiable cancellation of several Air India Express services from Kerala,” Satheesan wrote to the Civil Aviation Minister, reported the PTI.

Read also : Air India flight cancellations lead to protests at many airports

CNBC-TV18 had earlier reported that a union representing some of Air India Express’ cabin crew had claimed last month that the airline was poorly managed. He claimed there was a lack of equality in the treatment of staff.

The Air India Express Employees Union (AIXEU), a registered union, also claimed that employee morale was affected due to poor business management. The union claims to represent around 300 cabin crew members, most of them seniors.