Flu hits Alaska Airlines crews, 24 flights cancelled

FLU-STRICKEN pilots and flight attendants have grounded 24 flights, effecting 270 passengers.

Must be one hell of a flu ... 270 passengers affected by 24 cancelled flights. Eeek! Picture: Thinkstock

Alaska Airlines cancelled 24 flights on Sunday and Monday after flu-stricken pilots and flight attendants called in sick.

Alaska spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says about 270 passengers were affected by cancelled flights. Another 14 flights were cancelled Sunday due to bad weather.

Egan says a "very unusual" cold and flu season hit the airline's Pacific Northwest hub, and the entire region was affected.

Egan says pilots and flight attendants who were off-duty have volunteered to work while their colleagues are out sick.

The airline forecasts a less-busy Tuesday, and says it probably won't have to cancel any more flights because of illness.