Berlin pilot walkout

Air Berlin is on the brink of collapse after 200 pilots called in sick on the same day.

the bankrupt german carrier was forced to cancel more than 100 flights, causing chaos at several airports.

Chief executive thomas Winkelmann accused the pilots of ‘playing with fire’ as the disruption would cost the company several million euros, making it less attractive to potential rescuers.

the airline is in a dispute with pilots about the transfer of staff to a new owner.

Air Berlin was declared bankrupt last month. Bids to take over the firm are due this week.