INDIA- Recently, we came across a leave application email from an Indian pilot asking for a mother’s medical check-up. Still, shockingly, the Vistara (UK) airline refused the leave and told the captain to operate flights.
The screenshot of the email is shared across the social media platforms. However, the exact name of the Indian airline (Update: Vistara is the One who did this) is yet to be identified. But some claimed it is Akasa Air (QP), while some said it is Air India (AI) or Vistara (UK). Further, some said it is common in IndiGo (6E).
Indian Airline Refused Pilot Leave
Here is the exact, untouched, and shocking email response from the Vistara Airline to the pilot:
Dear Capt. J…..
We are sorry to hear about your mother’s illness and understand the importance of being there for her during this time. However, after careful consideration, we regret to inform you that we are unable to grant your request for emergency leave. We would encourage you to explore alternative solutions, such as rescheduling the medical check-up appointment or seeking support from family and friends to provide assistance during this time.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in this matter and hope for a quick recovery for your mother.
Safe Flights
My Take
If we analyze the situation from the pilot’s point of view, then the airline is definitely at fault. Further, denying leave to the pilot during such a medical situation can psychologically impact the pilot’s mindset. They will not be at their best, which can affect the safety of the flight, aircraft, and its occupants.
Also, this, in the long run, creates a negative mindset for pilots, and they start hating the airline. This, in terms, affects the airline in retaining its pilots and significantly impacts their revenue.
Let’s look at the situation from the Airline side. They analyze that the pilot leave application includes a medical check-up term, and it’s not an emergency or critical situation. Still, airlines must understand the situation, keep additional replacement pilots for such events, and have happy employees and safe operations.
While the situation is on the pilot’s side, airlines also face many disruptions if their front runners, such as Pilots, cabin crew, customer service agents, and maintenance staff, ask for leave for some small reasons, which they can do when they are on holiday. But here, it’s difficult to determine who is at fault. I will leave that to our audience to judge it.
Feature Photo: Harsh Tekriwal (@avgeekwithlens) • Instagram photos and videos
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News.
