AI Express crew end strike; airline agrees to reinstate 25 terminated staff

New Delhi: Following a conciliation meeting at the Chief Labour Commissioner’s office in New Delhi on Thursday, Air India Express cabin crew have called off their strike, and the airline has agreed to reinstate 25 dismissed staff members. The strike began on Tuesday when crew members reported sick to protest alleged mismanagement, leading to over 170 flight cancellations and widespread passenger disruption.

The five-hour meeting involved the Air India Express Employees Union, affiliated with the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh, and airline management. Post-meeting, BMS All India Secretary Girish Chandra Arya confirmed the withdrawal of the 25 terminations.

Further discussions are scheduled for May 28. In the interim, the union has committed to returning to work with fitness certificates, while the airline has pledged to review the dismissed crew’s cases and address all raised issues.

Earlier in the day, the Tata Group airline said it has cancelled 85 flights or about 23 per cent of the total operational capacity due to cabin crew shortage and will be operating 283 flights.

To minimise the disruptions, Air India is operating flights on 20 routes of Air India Express, which has curtailed services till May 13.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation had requested a report from Air India Express regarding the flight cancellations and urged swift resolution. The discontent among the cabin crew stems from the ongoing merger of AIX Connect with Air India Express, with complaints of mismanagement and unequal staff treatment.

Issues such as room sharing, support, salary revisions, and differential treatment of experienced crew have been highlighted by the strikers. Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh has invited the crew for dialogue to address any concerns.

Air India Express cabin crew’s strike came a month after Tata Group full-service carrier Vistara witnessed pilot woes, forcing it to temporarily cut down capacity by 10 per cent, or 25-30 flights daily.

As part of consolidating its airline business, Tata Group is merging Air India Express and AIX Connect, as well as Vistara with Air India.