A French air-traffic control strike is affecting flights to and from Ireland today. Ryanair says it has cancelled a total of 26 flights to and from France due to the action.

Some flights which use French air space are also expected to be hit by cancellations or delays. The airline says further flight delays and cancellations should be expected.

Ryanair's Robin Kiely said "We sincerely apologise to all passengers who have had their travel plans disrupted".

"All passengers scheduled to fly on Tuesday 18th March should check the status of their flight on the Ryanair.com website" he added.

Passengers are advised to check with their airline before travelling to the airport.

The strike is in opposition to the "Single Sky" initiative of the European Commission. It is is aimed at lessening congestion in European airspace and accommodating expected increases in traffic, by allowing planes to fly more direct routes across the continent.

France is set to join Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg to create a regional authority.

But this proposal has come under fire from unions that are worried about the consequences of the plan, including its effect on jobs.

The networks handle some 9 million flights each year in a region with about 440 airports.