Ministry asked for report from the airline on the cancellation of flights, said- solve it immediately

The state Assembly's leader of the opposition, VD Satheesan, wrote Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia a letter highlighting the passengers' predicament and requesting his prompt intervention to secure alternate travel arrangements for the impacted parties.

Satheesan said in his letter that most of the passengers came to know about the cancellation of flights only after reaching the airports. "Many people heading to the Middle East fear losing their jobs because they will not be able to return in time," he wrote. Citing reports, he said the airline did not show even basic courtesy in providing food and accommodation to the stranded passengers.

CPI state secretary Binay Vishwam also sought immediate intervention from the ministry to resolve the travel problems of the passengers. Thousands of passengers are stranded at various airports across the country after more than 70 Air India Express services were canceled, he said in a statement.

Viswam said, 'This has also affected the employment prospects for those working abroad and those returning to work after holidays.' He said that according to the airline, the current situation is due to the crew of Air India Express taking mass leave.

Viswam said the airline employees were forced to take such a step because the management did not try to address their concerns and problems. "This shows that the privatization of Air India, which was a public sector unit, has not only affected the employees but also the passengers," he said.

Most of the passengers traveling to the Gulf country claimed that after completing security checks and waiting to board the flights, they were informed about the cancellation of their flights. Many people protesting at the airports claimed that if they did not reach their workplaces today, they could lose their jobs while some others were facing the expiry of their work visas.