Tata group-owned Air India is facing widespread employee dissatisfaction following its recent decision to mandate room-sharing for cabin crew during layovers. The move, part of efforts to align policies with its merger partner Vistara, has raised concerns about rest and performance among its staff.
According to reports from The Economic Times (ET), Air India management issued a memo stating that most cabin crew members, including senior staff, would now be required to share hotel rooms with a colleague during layovers. The policy exempts senior executives, who will continue to have single rooms. While the memo also announced an increase in allowances and gratuity payments to offset the inconvenience, the room-sharing policy has been met with strong resistance from employees.
As reported by The Hindu, cabin crew members have voiced concerns to senior management, particularly regarding how differing flight schedules and sleep patterns could lead to disturbed rest. "People have different flight schedules, sleeping patterns. This may hamper our performance," one crew member told The Hindu. Another staff member highlighted safety concerns, stating, "It is not kind, it is not safe."
Air India has defended the policy, citing the need to harmonise operations with Vistara, which has long implemented a twin-sharing arrangement for crew during layovers. An Air India spokesperson told The Hindu that pairing crew members on the same flight would be prioritised to minimise disruptions caused by differing schedules.
Despite these assurances, many employees remain unsatisfied. Several have written to Air India's CEO Campbell Wilson and Chief Human Resource Officer Ravindra Kumar, urging a reconsideration of the policy. Their letters noted the potential negative impact on rest, especially after ultra-long-haul flights lasting up to 18 hours. Employees also pointed out the importance of privacy and adherence to safety regulations set by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which mandate adequate rest to prevent fatigue-related safety risks.
The policy shift follows a similar decision in 2023, when Air India Express crew were required to share rooms, leading to a strike that caused over 100 flight cancellations. Concerns over crew rest continue to be a significant issue as the airline works through its operational alignment with Vistara.