Mumbai Airport hit by ground staff strike, several flights delayed

Flight schedules for multiple airlines, including domestic and international carriers, faced disruptions at Mumbai Airport today following a sudden strike by workers of Air India Airport Services Limited (AIASL).

According to sources, the strike, which was called without any prior notice, impacted the flight schedules of major carriers, including Air India, Air India Express, Flydubai, Saudia, Oman Air, and Salam Air. AIASL, a government entity operating as a third-party ground handling agency, is responsible for managing crucial ground operations, baggage handling, and ramp services at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. It manages the ground handling services for both Air India and Air India Express at the terminal.

The sudden stoppage in work left the flight operations heavily compromised. Expressing concern over the operational hurdles, an Air India spokesperson confirmed the disruption and highlighted that efforts were underway to resolve the logjam.

"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," the Air India spokesperson said in an official statement. "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 statement further said.

With ground operations coming to a sudden standstill, several arriving and departing flights experienced lengthy delays, causing significant inconvenience to passengers. Airline teams at the airport have deployed contingency personnel and are coordinating with airport authorities to stabilise flight movements and clear the backlog at the earliest.