Amid flight cancellations attributed to crew unavailability, Vistara’s senior officials convened a meeting with pilots to address ongoing issues, according to sources familiar with the matter. The Tata Group-owned airline reportedly canceled approximately 26 flights on Wednesday, with over 100 flights canceled in the past two days due to pilot shortages, reports suggest. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has directed Vistara to provide daily updates on flight cancellations and delays.

Meeting with Pilots

Vistara’s CEO Vinod Kannan, alongside other top executives, conducted a virtual meeting with pilots to discuss their grievances and concerns. Representatives from various departments, including human resources, participated in the meeting. However, Vistara has not issued an official statement regarding the meeting’s outcomes.

Return to Normalcy

While flight operations are gradually stabilizing, the frequency of cancellations has decreased, indicating a positive trajectory. Vistara’s officials have assured pilots that issues related to rostering and extended working hours will be addressed by May, aiming to alleviate ongoing challenges.

Reasons Behind Disruptions

The current disruption is primarily attributed to heightened utilization of the existing pool of pilots. Vistara, in the midst of its merger with Air India, employs approximately 1,000 pilots, including nearly 200 individuals undergoing various stages of training.

Summer Schedule Operations

Despite the recent setbacks, Vistara aims to maintain its summer schedule, which commenced on March 31, intending to operate slightly over 300 flights daily. Efforts are underway to streamline operations and mitigate disruptions, ensuring smoother travel experiences for passengers.