REUTERS/Almaas Masood/ File PhotoAir India's budget carrier subsidiary cancelled 85 flights on Thursday, a day after its operations were severely disrupted by dozens of cabin crew calling in sick at the last minute. The airline was taken over by Indian conglomerate Tata Group in 2022 after a government effort to privatise the heavily indebted carrier. Media reports linked the sudden mass sick leave to simmering staff discontent over new policies on hiring and promotion imposed by its new ownership. "This act is certainly not representative of the 2,000-odd cabin crew colleagues in the company who continue to respond to the call of duty." An Air India Express spokesperson said Thursday that the airline taken "appropriate steps against certain individuals", but did not provide further details.

Source: The Standard May 09, 2024 12:50 UTC