IndiGo turmoil spills over as AI Express pilots oppose fresh recruitments

New Delhi: The IndiGo effect is bigger than expected. Recently, the Air India Group published an advertisement for the recruitment of A320 captains. This unprecedented move has triggered a wave of tension among its existing pilots, particularly at Air India Express.

Underutilised Air India Express pilots fear that an increase in their numbers would not only lead to fewer flying hours but also negatively impact their pay scales. Around 100 pilots have formally raised these concerns with the Tata Group’s low-cost carrier, opposing the recruitment drive.

Air India Express currently operates a fleet of 110 aircraft, including 34 A320-family jets inherited from Air India and AirAsia India.  At least 10 of these A320s scheduled to be returned to lessors early next year. Pilots are concerned that hiring more staff will only worsen the situation, as there is limited workload to be shared with an expanded team.

Contracts for pilots’ guaranteed flying hours were reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic. At Air India Express, guaranteed hours were cut from 70 to as low as 40. Existing pilots are now questioning the logic behind hiring new A320 captains when internal utilisation remains so low.

Things were running smoothly until December. On what seemed like a usual day, IndiGo passengers began experiencing delays and cancellations. While many initially assumed the disruptions would be temporary, the situation soon worsened.

According to reports, IndiGo did not adhere to DGCA norms on limited working days and mandatory rest hours. Despite repeated reminders, the airline allegedly failed to comply, leading to serious consequences. IndiGo has since faced criticism from the government and pilot unions for imposing a "hiring freeze” and for what has been described as "short-sighted planning.”