Easter holiday plans were hit by a strike of French air traffic controllers on 8 April as 40% of flights were cancelled in a dispute over working conditions.

The strike called by the SNCTA union affected not only flights to and from France but also some through French airspace, and was due to last into Thursday.

Pariss main airports of Charles de Gaulle and Orly were both affected but with advanced warning given by airlines the atmosphere was calm in the departure terminal of CDG on Wednesday.

Among the companies hit were Ryanair, Easyjet and Air France.

Air France said it was running almost all of its long haul flights, most of its medium haul flights but that it would only guarantee 30% of departures from and arrivals to Orly, Pariss second airport.