Easyjet strike grounds flights

EASYJET has cancelled 38 flights today in response to a two-day strike by cabin crews in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Most of the cancellations are on domestic flights - the low-cost carrier has cancelled 34 services between Lyon, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille, Nantes, Nice, Brest, Paris Orly and Charles de Gaulle airports.

Four Milan and Barcelona flights have also been dropped while five services between London Gatwick and French airports would be severely delayed, the airline said.

The two-day strike began on Christmas Day, but no flights were scheduled yesterday, meaning that the walkout will affect only those flying today.

Two unions representing cabin crew, SNPNC-FO and Unac, are complaining about working conditions, changes to the employee share options scheme and are calling for better social cover.

In a statement, easyJet said that it has 1,200 flights scheduled for Boxing Day, and it would ensure a minimum service on every route.

The airline apologised for the disruption and advised those who have booked tickets to check the status of their flight on the airline website.

The strike is due to end at midnight.

Photo: Mark Harkin