Ryanair has launched a new petition calling for the right to strike to be taken away from European airport traffic controllers as France prepares for a two-day strike.

The Irish airline says that when its 'Keep Europe's Skies Open' campaign gets one million signatures, Ryanair will present it to the European Commission and call for action to be taken.

If a strike-ban cannot be introduced, the company proposes that other European countries should be allowed to manage flights over the airspace of a striking nation to minimise travel disruption.

A statement from Ryanair reads: "In the USA, air traffic control unions are prohibited by law from striking. European ATC workers can still join unions, organise and advance their concerns through mediation or binding arbitration, which will not involve strikes or closing Europe’s skies."

Ryanair’s Chief Marketing Officer, Kenny Jacobs adds: 

“It's unacceptable that Europe’s consumers repeatedly have their holiday and travel plans disrupted or cancelled by the selfish actions of ATC unions every summer, who use strikes as a first weapon rather than a last resort."

Since 2009 French unions have staged 39 days of strike action - the current dispute centres around changes in pension policies.