French strike hits BA flights

Industrial action stranded passengers in Rome on Sunday

More than 100 flights between the UK and France have been cancelled because of an air traffic controllers' strike on Tuesday.

At least 90 out of 120 British Airways scheduled flights will remain grounded while the planned strike is held between 0500 and 2200 BST.

BA flights to and from France will be affected at Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh airports.

"British Airways apologises to all customers for any inconvenience caused by the industrial action which is beyond its control," the company said.

Bmi, formerly British Midland Airways, said it was operating only six out of its regular 24 flights to and from France.

The strike is part of a continuing protest by French workers over proposed pension reforms.

The Foreign Office warned the strike by several trade unions was "likely to cause severe disruption throughout the transport sector".

It advised people to check with travel agents before travelling.

Stranded

The move came as it was feared British tourists heading home after the half-term school holidays could be stranded in Italy after the national carrier Alitalia cancelled dozens of flights.

About 50 flights from Rome and Milan, including flights to London, were cancelled on Sunday.

Thousands of passengers were left waiting hours for flights after many flight attendants called in sick for a second consecutive day over concerns about job fears.

French strike action on 27 May forced BA to cancel all but 17 of the day's 100-plus flights.