In the wake of widespread disruptions caused by a cabin crew strike, Air India Express has taken decisive action by terminating the contracts of 25 non-compliant members. The airline issued an ultimatum, demanding the remaining strikers to return to work by 4 pm on Thursday, setting the stage for a tense showdown.

Yesterday's protest saw over 200 cabin crew members calling in sick, resulting in the cancellation of more than 100 flights. This sudden upheaval affected approximately 15,000 passengers nationwide, causing chaos at major airports including Kochi, Calicut, Delhi, and Bengaluru. At Delhi airport alone, 14 flights were axed between 4 am and 4 pm on Wednesday, compounding the disruption.

The discontent within the workforce stems from reported mismanagement within the Tata Group-owned airline, with employees citing grievances over operational practices. In response, the civil aviation ministry, via social media platform 'X', has demanded a detailed report from Air India Express regarding the situation. Additionally, the ministry has urged the carrier to swiftly address the underlying issues to restore normalcy.

Amid escalating tensions, management is poised to convene with cabin crew members today in a bid to defuse the crisis. However, with terminations already enforced and deadlines looming, the standoff between the airline and its workforce remains precarious. As both domestic and international services bear the brunt of the standoff, the fate of thousands of passengers hangs in the balance, awaiting a resolution to the impasse gripping Air India Express.