A general strike has been called in Spain with warnings transportation in the country, including aviation, could be significantly disrupted.

The strike may affect public transport as the two largest trade unions in the country walk out in protest over government austerity measures.

Public demonstrations in city centres may also affect local services.

Unions Comisiones Obreras and UGT have claimed this morning the industrial dispute has paralysed the country.

However, counterclaims from government officials have argued public sector workers have been turning up to work as normal.

There have been a total of 58 arrests since the strike began at midnight, mainly on picket lines designed to stop workers getting into premises.

An earlier deal saw transport employees agree to provide a basic level of service.

As a result, a quarter of buses and a third of underground and local trains were expected to run.

However, just ten per cent of domestic flights and 20 per cent of European flights are expected to operate from airports.

British nationals make over 12 million visits to Spain each year, making it one of the most-visited countries by Britons in the world.