Aircraft grounded as Greece's Olympic Airlines cancels flights

Olympic Airways staff block airport taxiway in protest over sell-off Athens - Greek state carrier Olympic Airlines will cancel more than 100 domestic and international flights on Wednesday as air- traffic controllers and crews join a nationwide 24-hour strike against government plans to privatize the airline.

The cancellations will affect flights to European destinations such as London, Rome, Paris and Frankfurt as well as some domestic flights, reports said.

Public transport will also be affected by the nationwide strike as unions from the Athens metro and railway services join the strike to protest labor reforms which are likely to target pension benefits.

Buses, trolley buses and trams will also be disrupted on Wednesday as employees stage numerous work stoppages throughout the day.

Last month, the Greek government launched a tender to sell off the ailing airline, saying it would find new public sector jobs to its workers.

Union officials have said they will hold talks with union leaders from Italy's Alitalia to find ways of extending the protest. (dpa)

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