The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) on Tuesday (April 2) asked Vistara to submit a detailed report on numerous flight cancellations and delays. Earlier, on Monday, the airline cancelled more than 50 flights due to non-availability of pilots. The Ministry of Civil Aviation also noted that Vistara has cancelled or delayed more than 100 flights in the past week.
“Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) sought a detailed report from Vistara regarding flight cancellations and major delays, with the airline having cancelled or delayed over 100 flights in the past week,” a MoCA official said.
Reason behind Vistara flight cancellations and delays
The full-service carrier has faced challenges as first officers of its A320 fleet have been calling in sick over the past few weeks to protest reductions in their emoluments under new contracts.
A Vistara spokesperson also acknowledged that the airline experienced a notable increase in flight cancellations and delays in recent days, attributed to several factors, including crew unavailability. The airline is handling 25.22 per cent more weekly flights at 2,324 in the ongoing summer schedule.
Vistara facing pilot issues?
According to multiple media reports, the airline has encountered pilot shortages following the adjustment of monthly emoluments for first officers of its A320 fleet after the signing of new contracts.
In response, the spokesperson stated that teams are actively working to mitigate inconvenience to customers. As a temporary measure, the airline has opted to decrease the number of flights operated to ensure sufficient connectivity throughout its network.
Vistara on flight fare refunds
Further, the airline apologised to the air passengers for the flight disruptions but did not provide details on the number of flight cancellations. The spokesperson also said alternate flight options or refunds to affected customers are being offered and apologised for the disruptions.
“We are working towards stabilising the situation and will resume operating our regular capacity very soon,” the spokesperson added.
