Tunisair suspends all flights over worker row

Tunisair announced today the suspension of all its flights because of a row between pilots and technicians.

The Tunisian airline apologised to passengers, saying the decision was aimed at "preserving the safety of the fleet" following an "altercation" at Tunis-Carthage International Airport.

Tunisian media reported that a fight had broken out between technicians and a captain and his co-pilot, following tensions between the two professions in recent weeks over uniforms.

Mechanics also reportedly held a recent sit-in in front of a union headquarters to denounce their treatment by pilots.

Police reinforcements were sent to the airport and a crisis cell including the transport minister was set up to resolve the situation.
 

The carrier has 29 aircraft that usually operate an average of 47 flights a day to destinations mostly in Europe, Africa and the Middle East, according to its website.