During the disturbances, human resources director Xavier Broseta was one of two executives to have his shirt torn off by a mob and he had to escape by climbing a fence during talks on the job cuts. The other manager had to be escorted from the area by security guards.

The incident came after Air France’s chief executive Frederic Gagey gave an update to workers on the airline’s Perform 2020 cost-cutting plan.

“The group strongly condemns the physical attacks that took place on the fringes of this works council, which were perpetrated by particularly aggressive isolated individuals,” said the airline in a statement.

“These events do nothing to alter management’s determination to pursue discussions with the unions at any point aimed at implementing the most efficient and constructive path to recovery for the group.”

Air France made the announcement of job and route cuts after failing to reach agreement with flight crew unions.

The airline plans to cut long-haul capacity by 10% by 2017 with the closing of five routes and reduced frequencies on other services. Air France said the routes to be cut would be mainly to Asia and the Middle East, which are making the highest losses.

Air France-KLM chief executive Alexandre de Juniac said: “The turnaround of the company can only be fulfilled with the mobilisation of all its employees. Air France management remains available to reopen negotiations with its unions at any point.

“We reaffirm our determination to implement the adaptation measures vital to ensuring the long-term future of Air France and allow it to finance its growth.”