Indian Airline Vistara Faces Turbulence Amid Pilot Protests
KOCHI — In a turbulent turn of events, a major Indian airline is forced to scale back operations this month as flight cancellations and delays run rampant due to a shortage of pilots.
Since 31 March, Vistara has been hit with nearly 150 flight cancellations and 200 flight delays, causing chaos for passengers. The disruption is reportedly fueled by pilots calling in sick en masse to protest changes following the airline’s merger with Air India.
Vistara has stated that it is committed to improving the work-life balance for its pilots, acknowledging the strain they are under.
An official from Vistara revealed to the BBC that the airline is taking temporary measures to scale back its network, with refunds being offered to affected customers.
Pilots Express Discontent Over Pay and Work Hours
Reports from The Hindu newspaper indicate that Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan has issued an apology to pilots for the demanding schedules they have been subjected to. He has requested their support in addressing their grievances.
Flight cancellations are expected to persist until the end of the month as Vistara aims to create a buffer for its pilot workforce.
The Tata Group, the majority stakeholder in Vistara, recently acquired Air India and is now in the process of streamlining its airline operations through mergers and consolidations.
Pilots’ Health and Safety Concerns Mount
Pilots at Vistara have voiced concerns over the new pay structure and work hours introduced as part of the merger process. Their discontent has escalated, with complaints about erratic rostering practices and uncertainty about their future career prospects.
According to NDTV, pilots have been falling ill at an alarming rate, pushing the limits of their duty restrictions. This has raised serious concerns about their well-being and safety during flights.
While Vistara acknowledges the strain on its pilots, the airline insists that there has not been a significant increase in sick reports. It attributes the delays in March to various factors such as bird strikes, maintenance issues, weather disturbances, and congestion.
Despite the challenges, Vistara remains committed to addressing the concerns of its pilots and ensuring a more balanced work environment for its crew members.
— Reported by BBC
