Passengers in Kerala, Delhi lash out at Air India Express ground staff over cancelled flights, videos go viral

Air India Express is struggling to operate their flights as per schedule after a section of its crew members called in sick 'at the last minute'.

Air India Express cancels several flights

Videos showing passengers at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport and Kerala’s Calicut International Airport lashing out at the ground staff of Air India Express are going viral on X. The operations of Air India Express have been hit after a section of its cabin crew reported sick to protest against the changes in the carrier’s human resources (HR) policies.

The video from the Delhi airport shows passengers trying to speak to Air India Express staff outside their office at the airport. The situation escalates as two passengers lash out at the staff. They can be heard saying in Hindi, “They created a mess. Do you think we are fools? Will you arrange another flight for us?”

“A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations. While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result,” an Air India Express spokesperson said.

Sharing the video, an X handle @gharkekalesh wrote, “Delhi Airport Kalesh (Air India Express cancelled 3 flights to Goa, Guwahati and Srinagar last moment and refused to provide any alternatives. So,Kalesh ensued)”.

Watch the viral video here:

Delhi Airport Kalesh (Air India Express cancelled 3 flights to Goa, Guwahati and Srinagar last moment and refused to provide any alternatives. So,Kalesh ensued) pic.twitter.com/TdIJlMhmTt

— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) May 8, 2024

The video garnered over 32,000 views on the platform, prompting numerous reactions. “It must have been cancelled considering the weather. Will there be any problem? There is no need to panic about it,” an X user wrote. “Flight cancellations without consideration for passengers urgency are a real problem. They should offer other options or tell people earlier so they can make other plans. Cancelling at the last moment causes a lot of trouble,” another user commented. “They thought by adding Express will turn them into some top brand flights. They gonna remain the same,” a third user said.

In another viral video, passengers at Kerala’s Calicut airport got into a heated argument with Air India Express staff as their flights got delayed. Sharing the video, a user wrote, “Around Four AirIndia Express Flights Delayed from Calicut … As per the officials there is a strike happening from the Crew members. Only Muscat flight is boarded and other flights are not yet updated the time.”

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Air India Express responded to the video and apologised for the inconvenience. “Hi Hisham! We acknowledge the frustration caused by the delays, and we apologise for any inconvenience. Safety is our top priority, and we’re actively working to ensure a prompt departure. If you need immediate assistance and require anything, please reach out to our ground staff. We aim to make your next travel experience more enjoyable. Thank you for your understanding,” they wrote on X.

Take a look:

ground staff. We aim to make your next travel experience more enjoyable. Thank you for your understanding. (2/2)

— Air India Express (@AirIndiaX) May 7, 2024

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As many as 80 flights were delayed or cancelled by the Air India Express after its crew members went on mass ‘sick leaves’. The crew members are protesting against the Tata management over the merger of AIX Connect. The airline operates over 350 daily flights and has the flexibility to go up to around 400 daily flights as per summer schedule for this year.