Strike at Spain's Iberia Express grounds flights

MADRID, Aug 28 (AFP): Iberia Express, the low-cost arm of Spain's national carrier, cancelled eight domestic flights Sunday as cabin crew launched a 10-day strike for higher wages amid soaring inflation.
The walkout, which will run from August 28 to September 6, is expected to involve a total of 92 cancellations affecting more than 17,000 passengers, a spokeswoman for the USO union said.
The stoppage comes as Spain's airline sector struggles with rolling strikes by staff at budget rivals EasyJet and Ryanair.
By midday (1000 GMT), eight flights had been cancelled but there were no delays, a USO statement said, indicating 1,500 passengers had been affected.
Iberia Express confirmed eight "preventative cancellations", saying in a statement it had arranged alternative flights or transport for 84 percent of affected passengers, with the rest opting for a refund or vouchers.