Operations at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport were affected after employees of AI Airport Services Limited staged a protest over wage revision
May 18, 2026: Several flights operated by Air India and Air India Express were delayed on Monday due to a protest by employees of AI Airport Services Limited at Mumbai airport. The ground handling agency is responsible for providing operational support to Air India Group carriers and several international airlines across India.
According to reports, at least 15 departing flights from Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport faced delays ranging from 90 minutes to two hours. AIASL handles around 650 flights daily across 84 airports in India and supports airlines including Flydubai, Saudia, Oman Air and Salam Air.
Air India said airport teams were coordinating with stakeholders to minimise inconvenience to passengers and restore normal operations. AIASL later confirmed that employees resumed work after management assured them their demands would be reviewed. Company officials said the protestors submitted their concerns in writing and discussions would continue according to company policy.