Pilots’ strike leaves passengers stranded

SINGAPORE : A shortage of pilots has caused chaos for thousands of passengers during peak travel season in the region, as cockpit crew complaining of overwork extended a strike at Taiwan’s biggest carrier to a fourth day. Since the pilots’ union of China Airlines Ltd decided to stay away from work starting early February 8, the carrier has scrapped more than 60 flights, including 26 for Monday, taking the total to 10%of its scheduled operations, according to Jason Liu, a spokesman for the company. The airline has lost NT$78 million ($2.5 million) in sales after 60 services from Feb. 8 to 10 were cut.