NEW DELHI, India: Air India’s budget subsidiary, Air India Express, has successfully resolved a strike by its cabin crew, bringing an end to two days of significant disruptions to its flight schedule and alleviating stranded passengers’ plight across the nation’s airports.
The airline, now under the ownership of Indian conglomerate Tata Group since 2022 following government privatization efforts, faced sudden industrial action believed to stem from simmering discontent among staff regarding new hiring and promotion policies implemented by the new ownership.
Numerous Air India Express cabin crew members called in sick at short notice starting Tuesday night, leading to the delay or cancellation of at least 175 flights over the subsequent days.
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In a statement released Thursday night, an airline spokesperson expressed satisfaction with the progress made during a conciliation meeting with the staff and welcomed the cabin crew back to work. The spokesperson extended apologies to those affected by the disruptions, emphasizing their unintended nature.
Media reports indicated that the airline rescinded termination letters issued to approximately 20 striking staff members. However, details regarding actions taken against certain individuals were not disclosed by the airline’s spokesperson earlier on Thursday.
Chaotic scenes unfolded at New Delhi airport on Wednesday as the strike commenced, with passengers expressing agitation while awaiting updates on delayed and canceled flights, according to local media reports.
