The cancellations have notably affected services from Muscat to various Indian cities. Passengers have reported receiving notifications about these cancellations at the last minute, leading to widespread dissatisfaction.
The shortage of cabin crew has been attributed to a significant number of crew members reporting sick simultaneously. This sudden unavailability has forced the airline to ground several flights, impacting both international and domestic routes.
The flight cancellations have also led to a surge in airfares between Oman and India. Ticket prices, which typically ranged from OMR 30 to OMR 40, have spiked to around OMR 160, marking a staggering 400 percent increase. This surge has added financial strain to travelers, especially those with urgent travel needs.
In response to the situation, Air India Express has issued a statement apologizing to affected passengers. The airline has offered options for a full refund or complimentary rescheduling to another date for those impacted by the cancellations. Passengers are advised to check the status of their flights before heading to the airport to avoid further inconvenience.