Troubled Alitalia suspends trading

THE European airline sector had a difficult day yesterday as trading in Italian flag carrier Alitalia was suspended and its Swiss equivalent issued a profit warning that shaved 6% off the share price.

Alitalia, in which the Italian government owns a 62% stake, asked the Milan stock exchange to suspend trading in its shares pending an announcement over the company's future.

The company is scheduled to hold its annual general meeting on Friday.