Several flights are delayed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport is running. (File)
Highlights
- Air India contractual staff on strike over unpaid Diwali bonuses
- Air India says trying to minimise delays, have called in off-duty staff
- 10 domestic flights, three international ones delayed, says spokesperson
At least 37 Air India flights from Mumbai were delayed this morning because of a strike by a group of the flag carrier's contractual workers, according to news agency PTI. The national airline said it had called off-duty permanent staff from their homes to help with the held-up check-in process.
"Till this morning, 10 domestic flights were delayed besides three international ones. The delay was up to three hours," an Air India spokesperson told PTI. A Mumbai airport representative, however, told news agency ANI that 16 international flights were delayed.
The contractual ground staff of Air India Air Transport Services Limited (AIATSL), a subsidiary of Air India, went on a strike last night since they did not receive their Diwali bonuses, PTI reported.
The company provides ground handling services to Air India across airports in the country. It has about 5,000 employees, including those on contract.
A number of passengers expressed their frustration on Twitter.
"Due to a sudden industrial situation at Mumbai by AIATSL employees, some flights have got delayed. We are assessing the situation and all efforts are being made to minimise delays or disruption," the Air India spokesperson said.
"Negotiations are going on between the striking employees and the AIATSL management to resolve the issue," he added.
(With inputs from PTI)