SpiceJet, a low-cost carrier, announced on Tuesday that it has requested 80 of its pilots to take a three-month unpaid leave.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Gurgaon, described the action as a temporary cost-saving measure.
“This measure, which is in line with SpiceJet’s policy of not retrenching any employee which the airline steadfastly followed even during the peak of the Covid pandemic, will help rationalise the pilot strength vis-à-vis the aircraft fleet,” the budget carrier said in a statement.
The airline’s Boeing and Bombardier fleet includes the pilots who were compelled to take unpaid leave.
A group of pilots became agitated earlier on Tuesday due to the financially troubled airline’s decision.
“The financial crisis of the airline was known to us but the suddenness of the decision has shocked many of us. There is also uncertainty about the company’s financial situation after three months. There is no assurance if those forced to go on leave will Even be called back,” a pilot said.