In a bid to restore stability to its operations, Vistara, the Tata group-owned airline, has announced the cancellation of nearly 1,000 flights for the month of April. This decision comes amidst a backdrop of pilot discontent over pay cuts and rostering issues, as well as concerns surrounding the airline’s impending merger with Air India.
The airline’s spokesperson stated that they are strategically scaling back operations by approximately 25-30 flights per day, equating to around 10% of their capacity. This move aims to alleviate the strain on pilot rosters, which have been stretched thin due to recent disruptions.
#ImportantUpdate pic.twitter.com/d6c5x9cj5L
— Vistara (@airvistara) April 5, 2024
Recognizing the potential inconvenience to passengers, the airline has proactively re-accommodated affected travelers onto alternative flights. Moreover, the airline has taken proactive steps such as deploying larger aircraft like the Airbus A321 and Boeing 787 on domestic routes to accommodate more passengers.
Vistara’s merger
Vistara’s CEO, Vinod Kannan, acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline, attributing the flight cancellations to insufficient planning for pilots’ sick leaves. However, he expressed optimism that the situation would improve rapidly, with flight operations expected to stabilize by the upcoming weekend.
Amid these developments, India’s aviation regulator, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), has directed Vistara to submit daily reports on flight cancellations and delays. Additionally, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has underscored the importance of airlines adhering to stipulated norms to minimize passenger inconvenience, emphasizing the provision of advance information, refund options, and compensation where applicable.
As Vistara navigates through this period of turbulence, all eyes remain on the airline’s efforts to restore normalcy to its operations while simultaneously preparing for its merger with Air India. With the peak summer travel season looming and the aviation industry already grappling with various challenges, the airline’s ability to swiftly address internal issues will be crucial in maintaining its competitiveness and reputation in the market.
