Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero has defended his use of the military to break a strike by air traffic controllers.

Use of emergency measures had been "essential to correct a disastrous situation", he told parliament.

The Socialist prime minister criticised the "stubborn attitude" of the strikers, who were protesting over their hours and benefits.

The emergency took effect on Saturday and is to last at least 15 days.

Facing the threat of prison sentences, strikers began returning to work after the emergency was declared.

Hundreds of flights had been cancelled during the strike, which began on Friday afternoon at the beginning of one of Spain's busiest holiday weekends and affected hundreds of thousands of travellers.

"It is no exaggeration to say that the situation was in open conflict with the rule of law and involved a constitutional affront to public order," Mr Zapatero said.

"As such, it had to be dealt with."

He promised to ensure the situation could not recur.:Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder.

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