Union Unite said action by Wilson James, which provides the airport’s passenger assistance programme, has postponed one of two strikes due to begin later this week.

Wilson James staff have suspended action this weekend following “a greatly improved offer” to allow members to vote on the proposed deal.

However, workers employed by ground handling company Red Handling looks set to go ahead. It is due to affect passengers on Norse Atlantic, Norwegian, Delta, TAP Air Portugal and Saudi. 

Unite said the initial four-day strike will affect 216 flights and 45,000 passengers. Further action is scheduled from 00:01 on Friday 25 August until 23:59 on Monday 28 August.

The union said further talks were held last weekend and a new offer made “but it is thought that it is not likely to meet member expectations”. 

The result of a ballot will be known on Thursday (17 August) shortly before the strike is due to begin at 00:01 on Friday 18 August, with the walk-out ending at 23:59 on Monday 21 August.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “Gatwick’s passengers planning to fly with one of the affected airlines will be rightly angry and confused over how every other dispute at the airport has been resolved, but this one hasn’t been.

"This is due to Red Handling’s failure to make an offer in line with other employers at the airport; it is a wealthy company, and its refusal is all about greed, not need.”