Air India, owned by the Tata Group, suspended 10 cabin crew members on Monday for allegedly encouraging others to protest against the airline’s new policy, according to reports.

In preparation for the upcoming merger with Vistara in November, Air India has announced a revised policy requiring some cabin crew to share accommodations during layovers, effective December 1.

The All India Cabin Crew Association has opposed this room-sharing requirement, labelling it “illegal.” The association has also requested the intervention of the Union Labour Ministry to address their concerns.

Under the new policy, most cabin crew members will be required to share rooms during layovers, with exceptions for cabin executives and those on ultra-long-haul flights. Cabin crew on these long flights will have single rooms during layovers, as will crew members facing unscheduled layovers due to flight diversions. Cabin executives, typically senior crew with approximately eight years of experience, will also receive single accommodations.

Ultra-long-haul flights are defined as those lasting 16 hours or more.

Following the merger, Air India and Vistara will have a combined workforce of about 25,000, including around 12,000 cabin crew members.

The cabin crew association has also sent a letter to Air India Chief Campbell Wilson, urging him to maintain the current status quo and honour the decisions of the Industrial Tribunal regarding the ongoing industrial dispute. They are demanding hotel accommodations and conditions that align with those previously agreed upon for pilots.

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