French strike halts BA flights

British Airways has cancelled 90 flights because of a planned strike by French air traffic controllers today.

The airline apologised to passengers but said it was forced to cancel at least 90 of its 120 planned flights between Britain and France because of the industrial action.

In a statement, the airline said: "British Airways flights to and from France will be affected at Heathrow, Gatwick, London City, Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh."

Some flights were expected to operate and passengers were advised to contact British Airways. The move came as it was feared British tourists heading home from half-term holidays could be stranded in Italy after the national carrier Alitalia cancelled dozens of flights.

Thousands of passengers were left waiting hours as air stewards and stewardesses staged a mass no-show, calling in sick for two days in a row, over a warning of cuts in cabin crew numbers from this month.

The Italian government, which owns half the struggling airline, has summoned Alitalia and union officials to a meeting tomorrow.