Mumbai :
Amid mounting frustrations and a crisis of confidence, Vistara Airlines, a Tata Group company, finds itself in troubled waters as flight cancellations persist.
The airline cited ‘crew shortage’ as the primary reason for reducing flight operations on certain routes,
aiming to address connectivity issues across its network.
Reasons Behind Flight Cancellations:
Vistara’s recent flight cancellations stem from reported shortages in staff, particularly pilots. Discontent among pilots surfaced following the introduction of a new contract post the airline’s merger with Air India.
Allegedly, this led to mass leaves by Vistara pilots, exacerbating the crew shortage crisis.
The New Contract Controversy:
Before the merger, Vistara revised its pilots’ salary structure, transitioning from a 70-hour flying model to a 40-hour one.
This move prompted widespread dissatisfaction among pilots, with reports suggesting potential salary reductions exceeding 50%.
The airline’s ultimatum to accept the new terms resulted in around 50 flight cancellations on April 1,
with a forecast of more cancellations looming.
Mitigation Efforts by the Airline:
Vistara aims to restore operations to regular capacity soon and is actively working to alleviate the crisis. Plans include deploying larger aircraft such as the B787-9 Dreamliner and A321neo on select domestic routes to accommodate affected passengers.
The airline is also offering flight alternatives or refunds to affected customers.
Regulatory Oversight and Response:
The Civil Aviation Ministry has sought a report from Vistara in light of the flight cancellations,
with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) directing the airline to provide daily updates on flight delays and cancellations.
DGCA mandates adherence to relevant rules, including refund and compensation policies for affected passengers,
while closely monitoring the situation.
