Vistara said that it would resume operations of regular capacity “very soon”, and stated that its teams are working to stabilise the situation.
Vistara cancelled 61 flights on Tuesday and 49 on Monday. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on Tuesday asked Vistara Airlines to submit daily information and details on the flights that are being cancelled and delayed.
Vistara Airlines sought crew unavailability as a major reason behind flight delay. But according to the reports, The Tata-backed airline has unavailability of staff, due to the shortage of pilots, who are protesting over the terms of a new contract after the airline’s merger with Air India. Let us take a look at major reasons behind flight cancellations.
What Major Reasons Behind Vistara Flights Cancellation?
- The new pay structure is the major reason behind staff’s undisclosed strike. According to the Hindu report, As per the new pay structure, First Officers will take a pay cut of ₹80,000 to ₹1,40,000 which offers a guaranteed flying allowance for only 40 hours, instead of 70 hours. This was a formula implemented at Air India last year.
- Vistara Airlines is trying to implement the new salary structure after its merger with Air India. Unhappy with this structure, Vistara pilots reported to have sought sick leave en masse.
- Another reason behind the strike is that there are delays in co-pilots upgrading to a wide body from a narrow body as compared to Air India pilots. There is a 3:1 formula, which means for every three Air Indian who get upgraded to a widebody, only one Vistara pilot will get the upgrade.
- High pilot training costs have also increased which is adding into the financial stress of these pilots.
When Will Vistara Flights Resume Regular Operations?
Vistara said that it would resume operations of regular capacity “very soon”, and stated that its teams are working to stabilise the situation.
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The company said “We have decided to temporarily reduce the number of flights we operate, to ensure adequate connectivity across our network. We have also deployed larger aircraft like our B787-9 Dreamliner and A321neo on select domestic routes to combine flights or accommodate more number of [SIC] customers, wherever possible,”
They said it has also deployed larger aircraft like our B787-9 Dreamliner and A321neo on select domestic routes to combine flights or accommodate more customers, wherever possible. And they are offering alternate flight options or refunds to affected customers, as applicable.
DGCA On Vistara Airlines Flights Cancellation
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DGCA officials are monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with the mentioned CAR and minimise passenger inconvenience.
The airline has also been asked to ensure that the relevant provisions of CAR Section-3, Series M, Part-IV on “facilities to be provided to passengers by airlines due to denied boarding, cancellation of flights and delays in flights” are complied with, like advance information, an option of refund, compensation (if applicable), etc. for the passengers,” the official added.
