Mumbai/IBNS: Air India Express has cancelled over 80 flights starting Wednesday (May 7) and scores of flights have been delayed after more than 200 cabin crew members went on 'mass sick leave' to protest against the Human Resource (HR) practices and alleged mismanagement of the Tata Group-owned airline.

Discontent has been brewing among a section of the cabin crew at Air India Express, since the low-cost carrier started the process of merger with AIX Connect, formerly AirAsia India, with itself, according to reports.

After the merger, Air India Express is to operate 360 daily flights during the summer schedule that started in the last week of March, reports said.

According to a spokesperson of Air India Express, the airline is engaging with the cabin crew members to understand the reasons for reporting mass sick leave.

The disruptions of Air India Express flights are being reported from various Indian airports, including Kochi, Calicut and Bangalore.

There was chaos at some airports as thousands of passengers have been stranded due to the sudden cancellation of a large number of flights, sources said.

Air India Express, in a statement, said, "A section of our cabin crew has reported sick at the last minute, starting last night, resulting in flight delays and cancellations."

"While we are engaging with the crew to understand the reasons behind these occurrences, our teams are actively addressing this issue to minimise any inconvenience caused to our guests as a result," the statement read.

Besides apologising for the flight disruptions, the airline has offered full refund or free rescheduling for passengers affected by flight cancellations due to crew shortage.