Air India criticized over failure to book hotel rooms for Hyderabad flight crew

After waiting for hours to find a place to stay, the crew members were eventually taken to Air India’s flying training facility in the city, where the rooms did not meet standard hotel room expectations.

Air India admitted there was a lapse in arrangement, with a spokesperson stating: “At Air India, the well-being of our staff is important to us and we offer comfortable stays in globally known hotels for their layovers. This is a lapse and we will take appropriate action.”

Different airlines have their own methods of managing crew accommodation; however, it remains the responsibility of carriers to book decent hotels for their flight crews outside their base locations. Typically, hotels are paid for by airlines without involving crew members in researching or booking accommodations.

Hotels benefit from steady business through tie-ups with carriers offering "crew rates." Those interested can read more about flight crew accommodation policies on Simple Flying.

In other news related to Air India, the airline has embarked on a transformation journey involving changes to its fleet, network, and operations. It recently welcomed its first narrowbody aircraft (an Airbus A320neo) featuring new livery unveiled last year. The carrier has expanded its domestic and international network significantly over the past year by adding new services and reinstating previously suspended routes.

The European network has also seen expansion with several resumed routes. Soon, Air India's newly acquired Airbus A350 aircraft will operate between Delhi and London. Additionally, preparations are underway for an eventual merger with Vistara under Tata Group ownership.