Vistara airline faced disruptions as at least 24 departures from Delhi and Mumbai were delayed on March 6, following 12 cancellations the previous day. These issues affected flights across the network, including international routes to Dhaka, Hong Kong, and Dubai. The airline has been experiencing daily cancellations, ranging from 10 to 15 flights, since February 18, attributed to various factors.
Passenger Frustration Evident on Social Media
Angry passengers took to social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to express their frustration with delays of up to three to four hours. Complaints ranged from lack of clarity about departure times to inconvenience caused by the delays, impacting both personal and business travel.
Multiple Factors at Play
The disruptions were attributed to a pilot shortage exacerbated by pilots taking sick leave to utilize accumulated leaves before the financial year-end. Additionally, some First Officers at Vistara protested against the implementation of Air India’s new salary structure, leading to a “silent protest.” The new structure reduces assured minimum flying hours and may result in pay cuts for First Officers.
The situation at Vistara reflects similar patterns seen previously at IndiGo. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has expressed concerns about violations of pilot duty norms and poor roster planning, indicating potential regulatory repercussions. Furthermore, the airline’s merger with Air India, expected by mid-2025, awaits conditional approval from the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore.
