EgyptAir halts international flights due to strike

CAIRO (AP) -- Egypt's national air carrier says it has grounded its international flights from Cairo because of a 12-hour strike by the company's flight attendants.

The strike began after dawn Friday. Hundreds of passengers crowded into the airport, some protesting the disruption of their travel plans and arguing with airport staff.

The flight attendants are demanding improved working conditions.

Company officials said as many as 15 international flights were cancelled.

EgyptAir said domestic flights were not affected.

Security checkpoints were set up on the road to the airport to keep passengers away, preventing a bigger backlog.

Tamer el-Sioufi, a spokesman for the flight attendants, said the company was notified before the strike began. He said the attendants have been conducting negotiations with company officials, but without results.