Tens of thousands of passengers are expected to be impacted after Ryanair cancelled 420 flights; easyJet suspended 76 services; British Airways called off 22 flights; and Air France said it would only run 45% of it short-haul service.

All 80,000 affected Ryanair customers have been notified and advised of their options. The airline called on the EU to step in and protect over flights so passengers travelling between Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany and other destinations were not disrupted.

EasyJet will offer impacted passengers the option of an alternative flight, a voucher or a refund. Customers have been advised to check their flight status on Flight Radar. 

A spokesperson for the airline said: "Although this is outside of our control, we’d like to apologise for any disruption to your travel plans as a result of this strike action and thank you for your understanding."

Meanwhile, Air France warned further last-minute delays and cancellations "cannot be ruled out". The carrier plans to operate 90% of its long-haul network on Friday (16 September). 

"Our teams at the airport and in our customer relations centers are fully mobilised," a spokesperson said. "They will do everything possible to assist you and limit the impact of this strike on your trip."

The SNCTA air traffic control union reportedly said the walkout was over wages – as inflation in France soars – and recruitment.

On Thursday (15 September), British Airways announced plans to cancel a further 50 flights from Heathrow on Monday (19 September) after the airport "made appropriate changes" to avoid noise disruption during the Queen’s funeral.