70 flights hit by Cyprus airport strike

A total of 70 flights were hit by the strike by cargo handlers in Cyprus, an airline official said.

Larnaca and Paphos airports were disrupted by the industrial action, said George Ioannou, an air traffic manager at Larnaca airport.

The strike started without warning after the government signed a multimillion euro agreement with a foreign consortium to develop and operate the two airports for 25 years, said Ioannou.

The cargo handlers refused to handle luggage for incoming or departing flights, complaining there was no provision in the agreement ensuring their continued employment, he added.

Five Irish flights are believed to have been hit by the strikes.