Aer Lingus pilots' strike averted

Aer Lingus and pilots' union IMPACT have agreed terms

A strike which would have grounded all Aer Lingus flights from Tuesday has been averted.

Management and pilots have agreed terms and conditions for staff at the airline's new base in Belfast.

The deal was reached after more than 20 hours of talks at the Labour Relations Commission over the weekend.

Both sets of negotiators will recommend the deal, which is subject to a ballot by the pilots being held at a meeting later on Monday.

The two sides have reached an agreement on pension conditions and promotions based on seniority for pilots at its Belfast hub.

Niall Shanahan, of pilots' union IMPACT, said the threat of disruption for passengers has now been lifted.

"What the pilots have is a deal they can take to their branch, which they will ballot," he said.

"The union are making a recommendation that they vote in favour of what was negotiated over the weekend."

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Dermot Mannion said the airline's hub at Belfast International Airport would now open in December.