CAIRO: Egypt's national airline says it has suspended international flights for 12 hours because of a strike by air hostesses and stewards.

"Because of a strike by Egyptair aircrew affecting some early morning flights, the company decided to suspend its schedule of international departures from Cairo between 4:00 am and 4:00 pm (0200-1400 GMT)," a company statement said.

It said domestic operations were not affected by the industrial action, and added that it was doing "everything to contain the situation."

The national carrier's cabin crew have been on strike since dawn on Friday in an attempt to secure better working conditions.

Hundreds of passengers affected by the strike crowded into Cairo airport, and some remonstrated with employees of the airline, an AFP correspondent reported.

Since the fall last year of long-time strongman Hosni Mubarak, strike action has hit several sectors of an economy already badly affected by plummeting tourism revenues and reduced investment from overseas.