Several Air India (domestic) flights were cancelled on Tuesday after a flash strike called by two unions of the airline that comprise aircraft maintenance engineers, cabin crew, and ground staff numbering thousands.
At least 30 flights were cancelled nationwide by 8 pm and the number was expected to climb to 60, or even 70, by 11 pm Tuesday.
About 12 flights from New Delhi IGI airport were cancelled by 8 pm to destinations such as Bhopal, Kolkata, and Pune.
The aircraft maintenance engineers’ refusal to certify the aircraft fit for flights crippled the flight operations.
According to the Air Corporation Employees Union (ACEU) and the All-India Aircraft Engineers Association (AIAEA), the flash strike was in protest against AI’s move to hand out showcause notices to two union leaders — ACEU general secretary J.B. Kadyan and AIAEA general secretary Y.V. Raju — on Tuesday after they had aired their grievances to the media.
“A flash strike has been called. All ACEU members have gone on strike,” Mr Kadyan confirmed.
“Air India has issued a showcause notice to me. So aircraft maintenance engineers have gone on strike,” Mr Raju said.
“The showcause notice and order not to talk to the media should be withdrawn. Only then will the strike be called off,” he added.