Air India Express terminated on Wednesday the contract of some senior cabin crew members who “reported sick” a day ago, even as the carrier continued to reel from flight cancellations 24 hours since the crisis began and said in a fresh statement that it was making efforts to mitigate the situation.
While there is no immediate clarification on the number of employees served the termination notice by the airlines, news agency PTI reported that at least 25 senior crew members were terminated from the service. However, other publications have mentioned that the number of employees laid off might go up to as many as 30.
In a letter of termination sent to one of its employees, the airline stated that an overwhelming number of airline crew members reported to be sick at the eleventh hour. “This clearly points to a pre-meditated and concerted abstention from work without any justifiable reason,” the letter read.
According to CNBC, Air India Express further stated that the action of crew members resulted in the cancellation of a large number of flights, affecting the airline’s schedule and causing inconvenience to passengers. Hence, it terminated the contracts of the concerned employees with immediate effect.
In the termination letter to its employees, the company added, “Your act is not only subversive of public interest, but has also caused embarrassment, severe reputational damage and serious monetary loss to the company.”
AIR INDIA EXPRESS TO OPERATE 292 FLIGHTS TODAY
Amid the ongoing disruptions in Air India Express’ flight operations, the airline’s spokesperson informed that the carrier will operate 292 flights on Thursday with the help of Air India, however, 74 flights of the company stands cancelled.
“Air India Express is making every possible effort to minimise the inconvenience caused to our guests by this unexpected situation. We will be operating 292 flights today. We have mobilised all resources and Air India will support us by operating on 20 of our routes,” the spokesperson said.
“However, 74 of our flights stand cancelled and we urge our guests booked to fly with us to check if their flight is affected by the disruption before heading to the airport. If their flight is cancelled, or delayed beyond 3 hours, they may opt for a full refund or reschedule to a later date without any fees on Tia on WhatsApp (+91 6360012345) or on airindiaexpress.com,” he added.