Iberia Airlines cancels hundreds of flights

Spain’s Iberia airlines is cancelling 440 flights because of a two-day strike by cabin crews over pay, it said today.

A statement on the Iberia website says the 48-hour stoppage starting at midnight will affect domestic, European and trans-Atlantic flights, about a quarter of Iberia’s flights.

The strike has been called by labour unions representing some 4,300 staff, who want an end to a four-year pay freeze.

They say other Iberia workers, such as pilots, have had wage increases.

Stoppages are also planned for November 10 and 11.

Iberia says affected passengers will be entitled to refunds or tickets on other days.

It says it regrets that unions should call strikes for pay rises when the aviation sector is being so badly hit by the international economic crisis.