Vistara Cancellations: Airline cancels flights amid disruptions; Centre seeks report, DGCA requires Daily Updates

Vistara has been compelled to cancel a significant number of flights due to a shortage of pilots and crew, leading to disruptions in its flight operations. Amidst these challenges, the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) has requested a detailed report from Vistara regarding the recent spate of flight cancellations and major delays. Over the past week, the airline has reportedly cancelled or delayed more than 100 flights, prompting concerns and inquiries from regulatory authorities.

According to reports from news agencies, Vistara is expected to cancel approximately 60 flights on Tuesday, following the cancellation of around 50 flights on Monday. The number of cancellations may rise to 70, as the airline grapples with the ongoing shortage of pilots and crew members. In response to the situation, Vistara has announced measures to mitigate the impact, including a reduction in flight operations and the utilization of wide-body aircraft on domestic routes.

In light of the disruptions, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has mandated that Vistara submit daily updates regarding flight cancellations and delays. Additionally, the airline has been instructed to ensure that adequate facilities are provided to passengers affected by denied boarding, flight cancellations, and delays. DGCA officials are closely monitoring the situation to ensure compliance with regulatory standards.

A spokesperson for Vistara acknowledged the challenges faced by the airline and assured passengers that efforts are underway to stabilize operations and resume normal capacity soon. The spokesperson emphasized that teams are working diligently to minimize inconvenience for customers, offering alternate flight options or refunds as applicable.

In response to the shortage of pilots and crew, Vistara has deployed larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, on select domestic routes to accommodate more passengers. Despite these efforts, the disruptions have caused significant discomfort for customers, prompting the airline to issue apologies and reassurances of ongoing efforts to resolve the situation.

Meanwhile, a news agency reported citing people in the know, that first officers of Vistara who are unhappy with the new employment contract have been reporting sick for the last two days which has resulted in multiple Vistara flights delays.

Vistara has faced similar disruptions in the past month, underscoring the need for comprehensive measures to address staffing challenges and ensure uninterrupted flight services for passengers.