Airport closures disrupt flight schedules, leaving staff stranded, delaying joinings, and making contracts uncertain
West Asia airport closures affect crew travel to the Caribbean and Europe. Representation pic/iStock
After multiple plan changes, flight disruptions, and prolonged delays, Mumbai’s cruise professionals have barely managed to return home in time for the Easter weekend. The closure of key airports in West Asia has severely disrupted travel, making it difficult for hospitality staff to reach ships operating in the Caribbean and Europe.
Work disruptions
A Gorai resident with a decade of experience in the cruise industry said seafarers have not witnessed such uncertainty since the pandemic. “Many cruises have scaled down operations in Europe. Those working on Dubai routes are being sent home within months. Companies have also halted advance joinings” he said.
Industry professionals added that with changing airspace dynamics, European deployment on cruises has gradually declined. Frequent flight rescheduling has led to uncertain joining and sign-off dates, forcing crew members to extend their time onboard beyond planned contracts.
Personal toll
“Since flights were cancelled, my reliever couldn’t reach the ship, and I had to stay an extra month. With a four-year-old daughter and my wife alone at home, it was difficult,” said Rakesh Zolar, the seafarer, who is now back in Mumbai and fishing with his brothers until his next contract.
Many are still waiting for assignments, delayed due to limited flight availability. “Direct flights are too expensive, so companies avoid them. Now we are either asked to share the cost or wait till the situation stabilises,” said Julian Collins, another Gorai-based crew member who returned from Singapore in December.
Rossi D’Souza, a Gorai resident, said, “My cousin was to return to Mumbai on March 29, but his reliever couldn’t reach the ship. He has now missed Easter with his family. While we worry about his safety, we hope things improve soon.”
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