Spain: military take over air traffic control - Travel - News - msnbc.com

MADRID — Spain's deputy prime minister says military has taken control of the nation's airspace after a massive sickout by the air traffic controllers closed down airports and created a travel chaos.

Alfredo Perez Rubalcaba said Friday the Ministry of Defense had "taken control of air traffic in all the national territory."

The sickout forced the country's air traffic authority to close eight airports, including the major European hub in Madrid on the eve of a major national holiday, stranding 200,000 travelers.