sexta-feira, 3 de dezembro de 2010

Spain closes four airports due to controller shortage


Spain has closed four airports because of an unofficial strike by air traffic controllers.
The Spanish airport authority Aena said the action began at 1600 GMT, when controllers began abandoning their posts, claiming sick leave.
Madrid's Barajas airport is one of those affected, as well as Palma, Ibiza and Menorca on the Balearic Islands.
The controllers have been involved in a long dispute with Aena over pay and conditions.
The BBC's Sarah Rainsford in Madrid says the action has disrupted air traffic across the country at the start of a holiday weekend. Many passengers were left stranded on runways.
Aena has called the action irresponsible, accusing the controllers of holding the country hostage. BBC News