Vistara: Top India airline to reduce flights amid protests by pilots
A major Indian airline is reducing its operations this month due to widespread flight cancellations and delays caused by a shortage of pilots.
Since March 31st, Vistara has experienced approximately 150 flight cancellations and 200 flight delays.
According to media reports, the disruption stems from pilots collectively taking sick leave in protest of changes following the airline’s merger with Air India.
Vistara has stated its intention to address pilots’ concerns by striving for improved work-life balance.
A Vistara spokesperson informed the BBC that the airline is temporarily reducing its network and will provide refunds to affected customers.
During a meeting on Wednesday, Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan apologized to pilots for demanding schedules and requested their assistance in resolving issues.
Kannan also mentioned that flight cancellations will continue until the end of the month to establish a buffer of pilots.
The Tata Group, which holds the majority stake in Vistara, acquired debt-ridden Air India from the government for $2.2bn (£1.8bn) in 2021 and is currently integrating its airline business through various mergers.
As part of a joint venture with Singapore Airlines, Vistara plans to invest $250 million for a 25.1% stake in the combined entity upon completion of the merger.
Recent reports indicate dissatisfaction among Vistara pilots regarding the new pay structure and working hours introduced during the merger process.
Pilots have also raised concerns about erratic scheduling practices and their future career prospects following the expected completion of the merger next year.
According to an NDTV report, pilots have been falling ill with increasing frequency, “flying at the limits of the maximum duty limitations”. This had led to concerns about their health and safety.
A Vistara official told the BBC that the airline acknowledged their “rosters had been utilised to the maximum” and that it was working to modify the roster to ensure a “better work-life balance” for its pilots.
The airline, however, said there had been no significant rise in pilots reporting sick and attributed the delay in flights in March also to other factors such as “bird hits, planned maintenance, weather disruptions and congestion”.
