BBC Radio Suffolk presenter Mark Murphy labelled Ryanair an “absolute disgrace” after his weekend trip to Luxembourg was among thousands of journeys disrupted by strike action.

East Anglian Daily Times: Mark Murphy Picture: JAMES HAZELL/IMAJIM PHOTOGRAPHYMark Murphy Picture: JAMES HAZELL/IMAJIM PHOTOGRAPHY (Image: Imajim Photography)

The breakfast show host was due to depart from Stansted Airport on Friday evening – but his flight was cancelled an hour after its scheduled take-off time.

In a furious tweet directed at the airline, he said: “So @Ryanair you are an absolute disgrace. My flight to #Luxembourg cancelled an hour after it should have taken off. Thanks for ruining my weekend. How can this cowboy outfit be allowed to get away treating customers this way.”

Ryanair has apologised to customers affected by a 24-hour walk-out over pay and conditions by pilots in five European countries.

The company said 85% of its schedule would operate as normal, and that every step had been taken to notify affected customers as early as possible.