A surprise strike by Lufthansa workers at the main Paris airport has prompted flight cancellations and brought a new headache to holiday travel.

An official with the Paris airport authority says that all Lufthansa airport staff in Paris called in sick Thursday, leaving no one to register passengers for 22 Lufthansa flights in and out of Paris. The official said the airport brought in extra personnel to direct passengers. The airport also suffered heavy delays on Tuesday because of fierce winds.

A statement by Lufthansa unions in France says they are protesting tight staffing and a shortage of managers during the holiday season.

Lufthansa said in statement that only two flights were officially canceled, and advised passengers to check the status of their flights online.

(AP)