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Flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport faced major disruption on Monday after employees of AI Airport Services
Ltd (AIASL), the ground handling agency servicing Air India Group airlines and several foreign carriers, launched unannounced industrial action, impacting baggage handling, boarding and aircraft turnaround services. Industry sources told Times Now that flight operations at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were affected following unannounced industrial action by employees of AI Airport Services Ltd (AIASL), the government-owned ground handling company servicing Air India, Air India Express, and several foreign carriers.
Sources said AIASL provides ground handling support to Air India Group airlines as well as international carriers, including Flydubai, Saudia, Oman Air, and SalamAir, and flights operated by these airlines were also impacted.
Efforts On to Restore Services
Airport operations teams reportedly worked through the morning to manage the disruption and minimise inconvenience to passengers, with efforts focused on restoring normal operations on key routes. The industrial action caused delays in aircraft turnaround, baggage handling, and boarding processes.Air India and Air India Express also initiated contingency measures, including revised scheduling and re-accommodation of affected passengers, while coordinating with airport authorities and the ground handling agency to stabilise operations.
In a statement, Air India said, “Industrial action by employees of a third-party ground handling agency at Mumbai airport is impacting the operations of Air India Express and Air India. Our airport teams are working closely with all stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to guests and restore normal operations at the earliest. We appreciate the understanding and patience of our guests during this time.”
The employees, however , called off their strike after authorities assured them that their demands, including a salary hike and regularisation of jobs, would be considered. According to reports, the decision to withdraw the protest came after discussions in which officials reportedly promised to examine their grievances and take appropriate action. Following this assurance, the workers agreed to suspend their agitation and return to normal duties, pending further resolution of their demands.
