Sudden pilot strike grounds Air Algerie fleet

Chaos reigns at Houari Boumediene airport Algiers – Sufian Si Yusuf Air Algerie pilots went on strike on Saturday morning in unforeseen move that wreaked havoc at Houari Boumediene international airport. Pilots were calling for increased wages and improved working conditions. Many domestic and international flights were cancelled as the state-run airline’s director general attempted to reach an agreement to satisfy employees. Passengers travelling to destinations worldwide were frustrated with the delays.
The director general reassured stranded customers that domestic and international flights would resume on Saturday night.
Air Algerie’s personnel have initiated a series of strikes this past year, demanding better social and professional treatment.
The airline’s fleet was repeatedly grounded and thousands of travelers left in the lurch before Prime Minister Abdelmalek Sellal intervened to bring an end to union protests.