New Delhi, May 9 -- Hundreds of passengers, including political leaders and workers, were left stranded and staged protests at various airports across the nation after Air India Express cancelled over 86 flights due to the cabin crew going on a "mass sick leave" on Tuesday night.

The major airports - Kochi, Calicut, Delhi and Bengaluru - witnessed chaotic scenes as most flight disruptions happened here. The international and domestic flights were cancelled after about 300 senior cabin crew members reported sick at the last minute and switched off their mobile phones. According to sources, southern regions have reported major cancellations.

Air India Express CEO Aloke Singh said there will be more curtailment of flights over the next few...