French strikes to affect easyJet, Ryanair and BA flights - as staff take industrial action against Macron's pension changes

Major strikes across France are prompting widespread travel disruption in Europe with planes grounded, trains axed and Eurostar services cancelled.

Public sector workers have walked out over government plans to overhaul the retirement system.

Workers are angry at President Emmanuel Macron's plan to streamline the country's 42 state pension systems, fearing they will have to work longer and earn less upon retirement.

The strikes have led to school closures across the country, while people have been urged to stay away from major tourist spots - including the Eiffel Tower - and the Paris subway system has also ground to a halt

The impact has also spread out across Europe, with flights in and out of the country grounded and dozens of Eurostar trains cancelled.

Air France said around 30 per cent of its domestic flights would be cancelled.

BA also said its flights to and from French airports will be affected, while certain airports in Spain and Switzerland will also face issues.

It said the issues would run from Thursday until Saturday.

"We have had to cancel a number of flights but will be aiming to use larger aircraft where possible, on other services to help affected customers," a statement from the airline said.

Meanwhile easyJet has reportedly cancelled more than 200 flights due to the issues.

"Some air traffic control staff are joining the strike action and therefore like all airlines, our flights to and from French airports, as well as those flying in French airspace, could be affected," the airline said.

RyanAir has also cancelled a number of flights, with the airline apologising to customers. It said those affected have been contacted by SMS and email.

Eurostar trains are seeing issues to, with disruption expected "along all routes", with a reduced timetable from December 5 to 10.

The company said it had cancelled almost 100 services between Thursday and Tuesday next week.

Workers at the national railway SNCF stopped on work on Wednesday evening while other services planned to shut down on Thursday morning for an indefinite period.

It is unclear exactly how long the strike will last. Unions say it is an indefinite movement and hope to keep up momentum at least for a week, in hopes of forcing the government to make concessions.

In Paris, there have been 6,000 police deployed for what is expected to be a major demonstration through the capital.

Authorities also issued a ban on protests on the Champs-Elysees, around the presidential palace, parliament and Notre Dame Cathedral.

The Eiffel Tower is warning tourists to delay a visit to the famous monument because the strike will disrupt access on Thursday. The Louvre Museum said its opening on Thursday may be delayed and some viewing rooms may be closed.

Hotels across Paris reported receiving numerous cancellations ahead of the strike, as wary tourists eyed closing transport routes and decided to skip their Paris trips.

The SNCF railway company expects nine out of 10 high-speed trains to be cancelled.

The French government said 55 per cent of teachers would be on strike on Thursday and hospitals will also be affected.