Ryanair was among airlines that announced widespread disruptions, saying in a statement it cancelled more than 400 flights affecting 70,000 passengers.

Ryanair was among airlines that announced widespread disruptions, saying in a statement it canceled more than 400 flights affecting 70,000 passengers. The company said the strike affects all its flights over French airspace, as well as traffic in and out of French airports, and urged the European Union to reform air traffic rules.

French air traffic controllers staged the second day of a two-day strike on Friday, prompting the cancellation of hundreds of flights not just to-and-from France but also overflying the country as summer holidays kick off.