Summary

  • Air India admits to a recent lapse in booking crew accommodation in Hyderabad.
  • Crew members had to reportedly wait for hours and settle for sub-par rooms at a training facility.
  • Air India has said that it will look into the matter and take appropriate action.

While airlines often get complaints from passengers about not being treated nicely, especially during delays, diversions, or cancelations, Air India is facing the heat for not finding suitable accommodation for its flight crew recently. The incident occurred in Hyderabad, where crew members said they were given sub-par accommodation.

Lapse in hotel booking

Air India’s cabin crew had to wait for hours before being given accommodation after their flight landed in Hyderabad. According to reports, the incident occurred on Wednesday night, when the airline apparently failed to book hotel rooms for the crew members.

India Today states that when Air India’s flight crew arrived at the hotel they were supposed to stay at, they were surprised to find out that no bookings had been made for them. This is against the norms, as flight crew accommodation is booked in advance at layover destinations.

However, after waiting for hours to find a place to stay, the crew members were finally taken to Air India’s flying training facility in the city, where the rooms were nowhere close to what a standard hotel room should be.

Air India did admit that there was a lapse in the arrangement, with a spokesperson saying,

“At Air India, the well-being of our staff is important to us and we offer comfortable stays in globally known hotels for their layovers. This is a lapse and we will take appropriate action.”

Crew accommodation

While different airlines have their own way of managing crew accommodation, it is the responsibility of the carrier to book decent hotels for their flight crew members outside their base.

A hotel is always paid for by the airline, with everything taken care of without bothering the crew members about the hassles of researching and booking a hotel. Crew members generally just check their itineraries to see where they are staying and how they are getting there.

Air India Airbus A320neo landing at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport.

Photo: BoeingMan777 | Shutterstock

Hotels also earn good revenues from airlines and often have tie-ups with carriers, giving them “crew rates” in exchange for steady business. Those interested in reading more about the policies of flight crew accommodation can read the following article by Simple Flying.

Related

Commuting vs Work: Who Pays for Flight Crews’ Hotels?

A look at why commuters have more to consider.

Recent Air India news

Air India, which has embarked on a transformation journey, is bringing about several changes to its fleet, network, and operations. It recently welcomed its first narrowbody aircraft (an Airbus A320neo) in the new livery, which it unveiled last year.

The carrier has even expanded its domestic and international network, as it wants to corner a significant chunk of the Indian market. Over the last year, it has expanded its schedule to the United States by adding new services and bringing back formerly suspended routes.

Air India Boeing 777 landing at JFK shutterstock_45192736

Photo: Eliyahu Yosef Parypa | Shutterstock

Its European network has also seen expansion lately, with several routes having resumed. Soon, it will also fly the newly acquired Airbus A350 aircraft between Delhi and London.

Air India is also preparing for its eventual merger with Vistara, another full-service carrier in India. It has been reported that the Tata Group, which owns both airlines, will retain all top posts in Air India even after the merger.

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