TUIfly to shut down flight operations Friday after ‘massive’ crew shortage

TUIfly has decided to completely shut down flight operations Friday after many aircraft crew called in sick on short notice Thursday, a spokesman said. The action follows concerns about a partial merger between the two companies. On Thursday, TUIfly had to cancel 47 out of 110 planned flights and airberlin canceled 90 flights. On Friday, TUIfly has canceled 108 flights, comprising 54 flights leaving from Germany and 54 from tourism destinations throughout Europe. TUIfly again will charter aircraft from other carriers to bring tourists back. The company said it is working to reduce the impact on passengers after many crew members again called in sick on short notice. TUIfly also said it expects further flight cancellations. TUIfly said because of the wide scope of crew short-notice absences it is impossible to inform passengers earlier and offer alternative travel arrangements.<br/>