A number of flights out of Ireland have been cancelled due to a general strike in France.

Public sector workers, air traffic controllers and rail workers are among those downing tools for what is expected to be the biggest strike of its kind in France for decades.

The demonstrations are expected to continue for the next five days.

The row centres on President Emmanuel Macron’s plans for reforming the country’s pensions system.

Irish airlines are advising customers to check their flights with thousands of passengers set to be affected.

Aer Lingus said its flights to Paris today have been cancelled. Passengers have been notified and can opt to rebook or accept a refund.

Due to a national strike in France, EI524 (Dublin to Paris) and EI525 (Paris to Dublin) on Thursday 05 December are cancelled. Guests whose flights are cancelled have been notified and can choose to rebook or opt for a refund.

— Aer Lingus (@AerLingus) December 4, 2019

Ryanair said it had cancelled a number of flights with passengers offered a “free move or refund.”

Customer Notice - French National Strike: pic.twitter.com/JUI8mK8kVb

— Ryanair (@Ryanair) December 4, 2019

Air France has warned that up to a third of its domestic flights would be cancelled, while the SNCF railway company expects nine out of 10 high-speed trains to be cancelled.

Most of the subway system in Paris is also affected.

Police have warned of the potential for violence and damage, with an extra 6,000 officers deployed to Paris.

Rail tracks are pictured during a railway strike at the Lyon Perrache train station, 05-Dec-2019. Image: Laurent Cipriani/AP/Press Association Images

President Macron has pledged to streamline the country’s 42 state pension systems; however, workers fear the reforms will see them forced to work longer until retirement and earn less afterwards.

All businesses, cafes and restaurants along the protest route have been ordered to close for the day by police.

Meanwhile, authorities have banned protest from taking place on the Champs-Elysees, around the presidential palace, parliament and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Around 250 official demonstrations will be held across the country, with many more where the authorities have not been notified.

Additional reporting from IRN