  Egypt’s air carrier cancels international flights over strike September 7, 2012 - 16:35 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Egypt’s national air carrier grounded its international flights from Cairo Friday because of a 12-hour strike by the company’s flight attendants, AP reports. Hundreds of passengers crowded into the airport, some protesting the disruption of their travel plans and arguing with airport staff. Security checkpoints were set up on the road to the airport to keep passengers away, preventing a bigger backlog because of the strike that began after dawn Friday. Some passengers dodged the roadblocks, carrying their luggage and walking to the terminal. Company officials said as many as 20 international flights were cancelled, but domestic flights were not affected. EgyptAir estimated its losses from the canceled flights by midday at $10 million. The flight attendants are demanding improved working conditions. EgyptAir cabin crew employees have long complained of shortage of staff, accusing the company of using the minimum number of attendants, undermining services. The attendants are calling on management to establish a separate unit in the company for the cabin crews, along with an increase in their benefits. Partner news  Top stories U.S. officials say they want to advance efforts to start talks between the Syrian government and opposition leaders. The international conference, backed by Russia and the U.S., aims to find a political solution to the conflict in Syria. Nuland, a career foreign service officer who was until recently State's top spokesperson, was expected to be nominated the post. Alkhatib said Assad should respond within 20 days and that he should then be given a month to dissolve parliament.   Partner news |  Latest news Israeli security expert says Syrian hacker attack foiled  Israel refuses to comment on the strike but officials at the time said Iranian missiles set for Hezbollah were hit.Gyumri to host Europe Day celebrations The celebrations will feature a small information fair, with EU project representatives to brief the visitors on the initiatives launched.1st Armenian interactive fairy tale available for iPhone/iPod Touch The tale sparked great interest in Diaspora. Such projects, namely interactive version of “Alice in Wonderland”, are popular abroad.Expert says Russian FM’s remarks in context of Madrid Principles No decisive developments will follow the meeting between Russian and Azerbaijani foreign ministers, David Jamalyan said. |
