Egypt national carrier cancels flights due to strike

Egypt's state-owned carrier, EgyptAir, was forced to cancel all of its international flights Friday due to a strike by air steward crews, dpa reported. The cancellations follow the collapse of negotiations between the company and stewards demanding better working conditions and higher wages. Unions have vowed not to end their strike until all their demands are met. The stoppage grounded flights bound to China, Saudi Arabia and Qatar in the early hours of the day. More cancellations were expected. EgyptAir said its domestic flights were not affected by the strike and was seeking to resume normal operations for long-haul services 'in the nearest possible time.' Egypt has been hit by a wave of labour strikes since a popular revolt forced Hosny Mubarak out of power in February last year.