Hundreds of flights cancelled across Europe in anticipation of numerous airline strikes

Travellers to Greece and Spain have been warned to expect disruption on Wednesday due to a general strike.

A number of airlines have already cancelled flights ahead of the walk-out – called by the European Trade Union Confederation in response to concerns about austerity measures.

EasyJet has scrapped 26 flights, including services from Gatwick to Barcelona and Madrid, and has re-scheduled a further 10, including some from Gatwick and Manchester to Athens, and from Gatwick to Thessaloniki.

It said the strikes and demonstrations were likely to affect different countries at different times, with Spain and the Canary Islands beginning a 24-hour strike at 00:01 on Wednesday morning, local time, and workers in Greece taking action from 3pm.

The airline said affected passengers would be given the option of a refund or a seat on an alternative flight.

“EasyJet are proactively trying to minimize disruption, however, we would like to warn customers that they could experience delays to their travel plans,” it said in a statement. “We advise passengers planning to travel on November 14 to keep checking our website for updates.”

Iberia has cancelled more than 200 flights scheduled for Wednesday, and British Airways said it was anticipating disruption to its services.

The Foreign Office has also updated its advice for travellers to Spain, warning of “significant disruption” to public transport within Spain and services at Spanish airports.

Britons are advised to check for delays before travelling, allow extra time for journeys, and to steer clear of demonstrations.