Vistara Faces Flight Cancellations and Operational Cuts Amid Pilot Unavailability

Vistara, the full-service carrier, is experiencing flight cancellations and operational reductions due to a shortage of pilots, with many first officers reportedly calling in sick to protest against pay revisions. Sources suggest that the airline had to cancel approximately 50 flights on Monday, and this number may rise to 70 by Tuesday. A Vistara spokesperson acknowledged the significant number of cancellations and delays in recent days, citing crew unavailability among various reasons.

In response to the disruptions, Vistara has decided to temporarily reduce its flight operations to ensure adequate connectivity across its network. While the airline apologized for the inconvenience caused to passengers, it did not specify the exact number of cancellations. Efforts are underway to stabilize the situation, and operations at regular capacity are expected to resume soon.

The pilot shortage is attributed to the revision in monthly emoluments for first officers of Vistara’s A320 fleet following the signing of new contracts. Some first officers reportedly called in sick due to significant reductions in certain components of their salaries, despite an increase in incentives linked to flying hours. In the meantime, Vistara has deployed larger aircraft on select domestic routes and is offering alternate flight options or refunds to affected customers while working towards resolving the issue promptly.