New Delhi: Air India has dismissed more than 1,000 employees over the last three years for violations of company ethics and policy, as the Tata Group-owned carrier tightens internal discipline while grappling with mounting financial challenges.
The disclosure was made by Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson during a town hall interaction with employees on Friday, where he stressed the need for integrity and accountability across all levels of the organisation.
Wilson said disciplinary action had been taken against staff found involved in serious misconduct, including unauthorised baggage clearances, removal of items from aircraft, and misuse of employee travel privileges.
He noted that every year, several hundred workers face termination due to breaches of company rules, adding that employees are expected to maintain professional standards even when no one is monitoring their actions.
The airline has also reportedly uncovered widespread irregularities in its Employee Leisure Travel programme. Earlier this year, internal reviews identified discrepancies involving more than 4,000 employees, prompting corrective action and penalties against those found responsible.
The strict action comes as Air India pushes aggressive cost-control measures to manage growing financial stress. The airline has already paused annual salary hikes and directed staff to reduce discretionary spending and non-essential expenses.
During the meeting, Wilson warned that the current financial year could prove especially difficult if global conditions, particularly developments affecting Middle East operations, do not improve.
The Air India Group, which includes Air India and Air India Express, is estimated to have recorded losses exceeding ₹22,000 crore for the financial year ending March 2026.
Despite the setbacks, the management has maintained that operational restructuring and tighter compliance measures are necessary to stabilise the airline and strengthen its long-term recovery plans.
