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Air India on Sunday issued a statement after flight services at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were affected due to industrial action
by employees working with a third-party ground handling agency.
The airline said the protest by the outsourced ground staff has impacted the functioning of both Air India and Air India Express at Mumbai airport, leading to disruptions in regular flight operations.
In its official statement, Air India said its airport teams are working closely with all stakeholders to manage the situation and reduce inconvenience for passengers. The airline added that efforts are underway to restore normal operations at the earliest possible time.
Ground handling staff play a crucial role in airport operations, including baggage movement, aircraft servicing, boarding support, and other on-ground activities required before flight departures and arrivals. Any disruption in these services can directly impact airline schedules, resulting in delays or operational challenges.
While the airline did not specify the exact scale of the disruption, passengers travelling through Mumbai airport may experience delays in departures, baggage processing, or related airport services until the situation is resolved.
Air India also appealed to passengers to remain patient during the disruption. The airline thanked travellers for their cooperation and understanding as teams continue to work on stabilising operations.
The disruption comes at a time when Mumbai airport remains one of the busiest aviation hubs in the country, handling a large number of domestic and international passengers daily. Any interruption in airport ground services can have a cascading effect on airline schedules throughout the day.
Passengers travelling with Air India or Air India Express from Mumbai have been advised to stay updated through official airline communication channels and monitor their flight status before leaving for the airport.
The airline has not yet shared details on how long the disruption is expected to continue. However, officials indicated that coordination with airport authorities and service providers is ongoing to ensure flight operations return to normal as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, travellers at the airport are advised to keep extra time in hand for check-in and baggage procedures due to the ongoing operational issues linked to the staff protest.
