Egypt’s air carrier cancels international flights over strikeSeptember 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. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | International cybercrime ringleaders arrested in Armenia, Ukraine Europol, Europe's crime agency, has arrested four ringleaders of several cybercrime networks that used botnets. Armenia skips CSTO Defense Ministers meeting A meeting of the Council of Defense Ministers of the Collective Security Treaty Organization countries began in Almaty. Armenian, Iranian foreigh policy chief talk over the phone The Foreign Minister of Armenia once again expressed condolences to his counterpart on the death of the President of Iran. Armenia, U.S. customs authorities to boost assistance with new deal The government has approved an agreement with the U.S. government on mutual assistance between the customs authorities. |