The threat of strikes by thousands of airport workers in Britain which could have caused travel chaos for holidaymakers was averted tonight.
Lengthy talks between leaders of Unite and bosses from airport operator BAA led to a new pay deal which will be recommended for acceptance.
Unite said a "much improved" offer had been tabled and workers at Heathrow, Stansted, Southampton, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen airports will be urged to accept the deal.
Unite's national officer Brian Boyd said the union was calling off the threat of strikes while workers vote on the new proposal in the next few weeks.
Details of the new deal will be announced tomorrow after workers have been told the outcome of today's talks.
Mr Boyd, speaking outside the headquarters of conciliation service Acas, where the talks were held, said: "Unite came to these negotiations with a strong mandate for industrial action.
"In today's negotiations between Unite and BAA, the assistance of Acas has been constructive and we are pleased to announce we are calling off strike action at BAA's six airports.
"Unite's negotiating committee will recommend a much-improved offer from BAA.
Peter Harwood, chief conciliator at Acas, said the talks had been "challenging" but was pleased that the basis of a deal had been agreed.
Mr Harwood said Unite, as well as two other unions involved in the dispute, Prospect and the Public and Commercial Services union, will ballot their members with a recommendation to accept, adding: "Acas is pleased at this development and hope that the matter will soon be settled."
PA