Paris - Many flights were cancelled Saturday at Charles de Gaulle international airport in Paris as pilots went on strike.

Carrier Air France said that a third of long-haul flights and half of all other flights would have to be cancelled.

The pilots' union was due to meet Saturday to discuss whether to continue the strike, which was due to end Monday at midnight.

The pilots are protesting a change to working regulations that would allow them to choose to retire at 65 instead of the current 60, which they see as a first step to extending their working lives.

Air France chief executive Jean-Cyril Spinetta said the strike would cost 100 million euros (127 million dollars).

Air France said 40 per cent of pilots were taking part in the strike, while the union said 80 per cent were. (dpa)