Air India Express Faces Flight Disruption as Crew Members Call in Sick

Air India Express Faces Flight Disruption as Crew Members Call in Sick

Concerns Arise as 70 Flights Canceled or Delayed

Air India Express, the low-cost subsidiary of Air India, encountered significant disruptions in its flight operations on Wednesday as more than 70 flights, both international and domestic, were canceled or delayed due to senior crew members calling in sick. The sudden shortage of crew members has raised concerns within the Ministry of Civil Aviation, prompting close monitoring of the situation.

Operational Challenges Highlighted

The disruptions began on Tuesday night and continued into Wednesday morning, leading to grounded flights and affecting scheduled operations on various routes. Civil Aviation authorities are actively investigating the matter, particularly as some senior crew members reportedly switched off their mobile phones just before flight operations, citing health issues.

Apology Issued to Affected Passengers

In response to the situation, Air India Express issued a statement apologizing to affected passengers and assuring them of efforts to minimize inconvenience. The airline emphasized that the unexpected disruption does not align with the service standards it aims to uphold. Passengers impacted by cancellations are offered full refunds or complimentary rescheduling to alternate dates.

Insight into Industry Challenges

This incident sheds light on the operational challenges faced by the airline industry, particularly regarding crew availability and last-minute disruptions. It follows a similar occurrence involving Vistara on April 1, when over 100 flights were severely affected due to pilots calling in sick.

Relevant Laws and Regulations

While there are no specific laws directly addressing crew sick leave in the aviation sector, airlines are subject to various regulations and guidelines concerning operational standards, safety protocols, and passenger rights. 

1. Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs): Issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), CARs outline the regulatory framework for civil aviation operations in India, covering aspects such as flight crew requirements, operational procedures, and safety standards.

2. Passenger Rights: Airlines are obligated to comply with passenger rights regulations, which include provisions for compensation, refunds, and alternate arrangements in case of flight cancellations or delays. These rights are often governed by the DGCA and international aviation authorities.

3. Labor Laws: Crew members' sick leave rights and obligations may be governed by labor laws, employment contracts, and collective bargaining agreements. Airlines must adhere to labor regulations concerning employee welfare, leave entitlements, and working conditions.

4. Operational Guidelines: Airlines develop internal policies and procedures to manage crew availability, rostering, and contingency planning. These guidelines aim to ensure efficient operations and mitigate disruptions caused by unforeseen circumstances, including crew absenteeism.

As the situation unfolds, regulatory authorities and airline management will continue to address operational challenges and uphold standards of service, safety, and passenger welfare in the aviation industry.