Irish flights cancelled due to strike by French air traffic controllers

A strike by French air traffic controllers is causing disruption of flights in and out of Ireland and across Europe. 

The 36-hour industrial action started on Monday evening and will continue until Wednesday morning.

Passengers due to fly have been advised to check their airline websites for updates.

Speaking on a video message shared on social media, Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary said the airline has had to cancel around 400 flights across Europe and the UK on Tuesday as a result of the French strike.

He said they "respect the right of French ATC to strike" but said this should only affect French domestic and local flights. Mr O'Leary urged the EU commission to step in to ensure flights traveling over France are no longer affected. 

He said Spain, Italy and Greece protect overflights across their respective countries and he called on the European Commission to take action to ensure the same for France.