AI Express crew call off strike; airline to reinstate sacked crew

Decision taken at a meeting of representatives of cabin crew and airline management

Hours after dismissing 25 cabin crew members for their alleged role in a “pre-meditated and concerted” service disruption with dozens calling in sick over the past two days, Air India Express reversed course on Thursday. The decision followed a conciliation meeting convened between the airline’s management and the aggrieved crew unions, mediated by the chief labour commissioner. Following extensive deliberations, the cabin crew, estimated to number around 100, also committed to call of the strike and resume duties immediately.

As a part of the resolution, all returning staff would have to furnish fitness certificates, ensuring operational readiness and passenger safety.

“We are pleased with the progress we made at the conciliation meeting and welcome our cabin crew colleagues back at work. This will help us swiftly restore our flight schedule and fulfil our commitments to our guests,” an Air India Express spokesperson said in a statement.

“We sincerely apologise to those inconvenienced by these unintended disruptions. It isnot in keeping with our usual service standards, and we will review it internally to ensure accountability. As we gradually bring our operations back to normalcy, we urge our guests booked to fly with us to check their flight status before heading to the airport.” he added.

The airline said passengers who had to face flight cancellations or delays beyond three hours could opt for a full refund, or reschedule their flights to a later date without any charges.

The Tata group-owned airline was forced to cancel more than 170 flights since Tuesday night after cabin crew members called in sick to protest alleged mismanagement. This disruption inconvenienced flyers across airports, particularly those from smaller towns, who found themselves stranded on both Wednesday and Thursday. Subsequently, the airline initiated refunds to the affected passengers. In a letter to employees, Aloke Singh, chief executive, Air India Express, said around 100 staffers participated in the strike. However, an airline official, seeking anonymity, said out of the 2,600 cabin crew, 327 had called in sick on Wednesday.

The airline said passengers who had to face flight cancellations or delays beyond 3 hours could opt for a full refund, or reschedule their flights

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