Flights across Europe are facing further disruption today as a strike by French air traffic controllers spreads to other countries.

Air traffic controllers in 11 countries are taking industrial action in protest against European Union plans to create a single European airspace.

Hungarian, Italian and Portuguese workers are expected to join the action today. However they are expected to engage in a go-slow, rather than down tools completely.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair are asking passengers to check their websites for cancellations of several flights.

The strike action has forced Ryanair to cancel two of its flights this evening out of Cork Airport bound for Mallorca and Malaga.

Calls to remove controllers’ right to strike

Ryanair says it has been forced to cancel a further 244 flights today as a result of the strikes. But the low-cost carrier says it plans to operate as normal from Thursday morning.

Ryanair's Robin Kiely said "It is grossly unfair that thousands of passengers had and will have their plans disrupted as a result of Europe being held to ransom by tiny numbers of French air traffic controllers. We are again calling for EU Commission to remove air traffic controllers’ right to strike, in the same way as ATC in the US, and many of Europe’s armies and police forces, are prevented from striking by law".

All airlines operating to and from France have been advised to expect only 50% of normal services. As a result, thousands of short, medium and long-haul passengers will be affected especially those requiring transfers.

The strike started on Tuesday and Marseille Airport saw a third of its flights scrapped. More than 70 flights were cancelled out of Nice Airport.

Workers are concerned EU plans for a "Single European Sky" will adversely affect their working conditions. Preparations for the maiden flight of the newest European passenger jet, the Airbus A350, have also affected by fallout from the strike.