Stoppage affects 20,000 passengers

FLIGHTS across the country ground to a halt yesterday affecting up to 20,000 passengers and landing airports with a logistical nightmare after a strike by air traffic controllers.

Aviation chiefs blamed the stoppage on a refusal by air traffic controllers to follow new work practices. But workers representatives said the strike was solely because a number of controllers had been suspended without pay.

Passengers are being advised to double check their flight arrangements amid fears the industrial relations deadlock could escalate.