Vistara expects normal ops by May; stretched roster caused flight disruptions: CEO Vinod Kannan Says

Vistara, a leading full-service carrier, anticipates a return to normal operations by May, according to CEO Vinod Kannan. The disruptions in flights, largely attributed to stretched pilot rosters, are being diligently addressed.

Acknowledging the validity of pilot concerns, Kannan assured that the airline is actively reviewing and discussing these issues. He also mentioned forthcoming contracts for pilots, designed to create more opportunities in the future.

Recent flight cancellations stemmed from pilot unavailability, prompting Vistara to temporarily scale back operations. Over three days starting April 1, more than 125 flights were canceled.

In an interview with PTI, Kannan expressed confidence that flight cancellations at short notice will cease after the weekend, as the situation regarding pilot availability stabilizes.

Kannan assured travelers that the buffer for pilots is stabilizing, alleviating concerns about last-minute flight disruptions. He indicated that from Monday onward, flights should operate smoothly, albeit with a reduced schedule.

To manage the reduced operations, Vistara has trimmed 20-25 daily flights from its ongoing summer schedule, which typically includes over 300 flights per day.

Looking ahead to May, Kannan expressed optimism about returning to usual operations and apologized on behalf of the airline for the disruptions experienced by customers.

He emphasized Vistara's commitment to addressing pilot concerns through ongoing dialogue and assured that new contracts are designed to benefit the majority of pilots.

While acknowledging the impact of recent disruptions on the Vistara brand, Kannan remains hopeful that the airline can swiftly restore normal operations and maintain customer confidence.

Regarding the merger with Air India, Kannan expressed confidence in a smooth transition, following Tata Group's announcement in November 2022.