Summer holiday havoc has been narrowly avoided after strikes at Norwich Airport were postponed.

Staff had been balloted on strike action as pay in every part of the airport, including car park, air traffic and security, is said to be lower than the national average.

The Prospect union had subsequently informed members of plans for several strikes between July 24 and August 28.

Unions reps said: "We must write to Richard Pace - managing director at Norwich Airport - in advance of industrial action. After discussing the revised offer from the employer it has become clear that the offer does not constitute an acceptable pay award."

Norwich Evening News: There was a growing concern that strikes at Norwich Airport were imminent after emails were sent to staff on July 7 announcing the dates of actionThere was a growing concern that strikes at Norwich Airport were imminent after emails were sent to staff on July 7 announcing the dates of action (Image: Newsquest)

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With roughly 70pc of staff at the airport represented by Prospect it looked as though the strikes would throw travel plans for thousands into doubt.

However, crunch talks made progress yesterday (July 14) and have persuaded the union to cancel any strike action for the time being.

Norwich Evening News: Richard Pace, managing director at Norwich AirportRichard Pace, managing director at Norwich Airport (Image: Newsquest)

Prospect national secretary, Steve Thomas, said: "We've had a constructive meeting between management and union officials and will seek to make further progress on a way forward over the coming days."

The talks have bought the two parties time to hash out a deal to stop summer chaos for city folk looking to jet set out of the country.

A spokesman for Norwich Airport said: "There was a constructive meeting held with the union and discussions are ongoing."

Norwich Evening News: Norwich Airport, located on the outskirts of the cityNorwich Airport, located on the outskirts of the city (Image: Newsquest)

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The positive development comes amid wider strikes within the airline industry, as Gatwick Airport faces eight days of summer strikes due to pay disputes.

Almost 1,000 staff will walk out from the busy airport during two key weekends over the summer holiday period.

The strikes at Gatwick are headed by the Unite union, whose members are also going on strike at Birmingham Airport, where 150 security guards and terminal technicians have decided on industrial action.