The strikes are due to a highly controversial pension reform proposal introduced by the French government.

The airline boss said the company were notified of another day of striking today by the French Aviation Authorities.

Mr. O’Leary said the airline had to cancel a further 220 flights yesterday, impacting over 40,000 passengers.

“It is unfair that flights from the UK to Spain or from Italy to Portugal are being cancelled simply because a bunch of French air traffic control units want to go on strike,” he said.

“We respect their right to strike, but if they want to strike, cancel the French flights, protect the overflights,” he added.