10,000 Irish holidaymakers and air passengers could be affected by four days of strike action by Spanish air traffic controllers.

The Irish Aviation Authority says it is possible that some flights between Ireland and Spain may be affected by the strike, although Aer Lingus and Ryanair expect that flights will operate as normal.

Air traffic controllers in Spain will be taking part in a number of stoppages during the mornings and evenings this week, which will disrupt air travel.

Workers represented by the USCA union will down tools for two hours each morning (10am-12pm) and two hours each evening (6pm-8pm) today, Wednesday, Friday and again on Sunday.

The workers are disputing penalties levied by AENA, Spain's airport operator. Recent talks aimed at averting the strikes have been unsuccessful.

Aer Lingus plans to operate a full flight schedule and does not anticipate any impact to flights.

Ryanair is advising customers that its flights are scheduled to operate as normal, although the airline is advising customers to check their flight status online.

Dublin Airport Authority has advised passengers to check with their airline for latest information regarding their flights before travelling to the airport.

Pat Dawson from the Irish Travel Agents Association spoke to Newstalk Breakfast this morning about the strike and its potential impact on Irish passengers.

He advised that it is not looking like there will be significant delays at the moment. He explained that there will be a 70% capacity operating during the strike days, but this morning and this evening only between 6% and 12% of traffic will be affected.

He warns that the concern at the moment is that the strike action could stretch further into the summer, and impact people's willingness to book flights and holidays. However, he says for now we have to wait and see, but it is not looking like it should be too much of a concern for passengers.

You can listen back to Pat's comments below. He started by giving some background to the strikes: