In the aftermath of a crisis involving over 250 cabin crew members of Air India Express falling ill simultaneously, subsequent events have unfolded with a mix of challenges and resolutions. The incident, which left more than 15,000 expatriate Malayalis stranded at airports due to cancelled flights, prompted swift action from both the airline’s management and its employees.
Following negotiations, Air India Express agreed to reinstate all 25 cabin crew members who had received termination notices, signalling a resolution to the initial discord. Despite this, disruptions persisted, with the cancellation of several flights in Kannur on the third day of the strike, totalling over 200 service cancellations.
However, a breakthrough emerged as Air India Express reached an agreement with the protesting cabin crew, addressing their concerns and committing to the withdrawal of termination letters. With the intervention of the Chief Labour Commissioner, discussions led to a resolution wherein the protesting crew members agreed to return to work, effectively ending the strike.
The management’s assurance to review the cases of the cabin crew in accordance with service rules, coupled with an apology for inconveniencing passengers, aimed to restore normalcy. Additionally, passengers were offered reassurance regarding their travel plans, with the option to reschedule or receive a full refund for cancelled or delayed flights.
These developments shed light on the challenges faced by Air India Express amidst its transition from a government-owned entity to a Tata Group-owned airline. Despite the change in ownership, operational challenges persisted, highlighting the complexities of managing a major airline. Issues such as changes in salaries, allowances, and increased workload, particularly due to the merger with Air Asia India, contributed to tensions between cabin crew members and management.
While the resolution of the recent crisis signifies progress, it underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and cooperation to address the underlying issues and ensure the smooth functioning of Air India Express as it navigates the evolving landscape of the aviation industry
