Customer experience, security and cleaning staff are currently being balloted on a new pay offer, which would avert a walkout over 16-18 October.

Air traffic control staff had also been due to walk out this weekend. However, this action has been suspended after the airport made them a new offer.

It comes after the Unite union this week proposed a second period of strike action from 23 October to 2 November, which would interrupt half-term.

The union, though, has stressed the action by customer experience, security and cleaning staff could yet go ahead this weekend if they reject the airport's new pay offer and risks "shutting down" the airport.

LBA has said that regardless of the outcome of the ballot, it had "a robust contingency plan in place" and would be "operating as normal this weekend".

Unite has also warned ATC staff could yet walk out over the period from 23 October to 2 November should they reject LBA's pay offer.

Neil Whitaker, Unite regional officer, said: “Following negotiations, we have suspended the air traffic controller strikes taking place this week to allow members to have their say on a new pay offer."

Unite added: "Hourly paid staff, which includes security, check-in staff, passport control workers and passenger assistance, are being balloted on a separate offer.

"The ballot closes tomorrow [Thursday], if this is rejected these workers will strike as planned from Friday to Sunday (16 to 18 October)."

LBA said: "We welcome the decision to suspend the planned air traffic control strike at LBA this weekend, providing reassurance for thousands of passengers due to travel over the coming days. We appreciate the constructive approach taken by all parties to reach this stage.

"While the ballot process continues with certain members of our frontline colleagues, we remain hopeful a positive outcome can be achieved and that an agreement can be reached which works for everyone involved.

"Regardless of the outcome of this ballot, LBA has a robust contingency plan in place and will be operating as normal this weekend."