The possibility of a Europe-wide walk-out by air traffic controllers this week appeared less likely after German controllers withdrew a strike call.
The first stage of the European-wide strike was to have been launched today by French air traffic controllers.
But the SNCTA union there has “provisionally” withdrawn its call for a five-day walkout.
However, two other French unions are reported to be sticking to the planned actions.
While the 14,000-stromg European Air Traffic Controllers Union has called for a day of action on Wednesday, it is unclear whether industrial action in Italy, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Hungary and Austria will now go ahead.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office warned of a possible strike by French air traffic controllers on Thursday (January 30) which may cause disruption to flights.
Air traffic controllers are protesting against EU plans to liberalise and deregulate European airspace.