Cyprus Airways pilots hold impromptu strike

Cyprus Airways pilots went on an impromptu work stoppage at Larnaca airport Friday afternoon to protest the abrupt indefinite suspension by the national carrier of a colleague.

In statements to CNA, the press spokesman for the pilots’ union PASIPY, George Charalambous, said that the work stoppage, from 1400 to 2000 (1100-1700 GMT), was decided after a “provocative action by Cyprus Airways to suspend a colleague without explaining the reasons behind its decision”.

He said this was the “icing on the cake” together with the longstanding problems the national carrier is facing.

Charalambous said that all afternoon flights including those to Athens and London were affected.

He added the situation with Cyprus Airways cannot continue and if the airline does not comply with regulations, “then measures will escalate”.