Passengers flying between Britain and France were today facing cancellations and delays as French air traffic controllers continued their 36-hour strike.

British airlines grounded most of their flights to and from France yesterday and warned many more services into Europe would be delayed as they were re-routed to avoid French airspace.

British Airways last night cancelled 93 flights planned for the period of the strike, which started at 6pm yesterday and is due to finish at 6am tomorrow.

BA said it hoped to operate larger aircraft to and from France tomorrow to help clear the backlog.

British Midland and low-cost airlines easyJet and Buzz all cancelled services. All the airlines have warned of delays because of rerouting.

The French action is in protest at the liberalisation of European airspace by the EU, which would eliminate national air traffic controls in favour of an "open sky" plan.

The Department of Transport, Local Government and the Regions said: "It is very disappointing that the French air traffic controllers have chosen to come out again on strike, particularly given the problems the aviation industry is suffering since September 11.

"We regret there will obviously be significant inconvenience to passengers which could have been so easily avoided."