Flights downed by 200 ‘sick’ pilots

BANKRUPT German airline Air Berlin said its existence is threatened by an apparent wildcat strike after 200 pilots called in sick at short notice.

The ailing carrier was forced to cancel more than 100 flights, including transatlantic connections, causing chaos at several German airports on Tuesday.

The airline’s chief executive, Thomas Winkelmann, accused pilots of “playing with fire” as the cancelled flights would cost the company several million euros, making it less attractive to potential buyers.

“A stable operation is an essential precondition for successful negotiations,” said Mr Winkelmann.

“This is the only way we can protect as many jobs as possible.”