The Impact union, which represents Irish-based pilots, has now agreed to hold discussions with Ryanair’s management on Tuesday ahead of the planned action on Wednesday.

It comes after Ryanair announced on Friday that it would begin recognising unions in an attempt to try and avert strikes across its European operations.

Unions in other countries had already halted action but Impact has reportedly said Irish pilots had wanted more clarification, the BBC said.

It said in a statement yesterday: “Impact has this evening suspended a planned one-day strike of Ryanair pilots next Wednesday after company management agreed to recognise the union as the representative of Irish-based pilots.

"The union has agreed to meet management on Tuesday evening, but says it is available to meet sooner.

"The union asked management to release its Ryanair pilot representatives to prepare for and attend the meeting.

"The union acknowledged the principled determination of Ryanair pilots."

Pilots in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal had all threatened walkouts in the run-up to Christmas.

In response Ryanair offered to recognise unions – the first time boss Michael O’Leary has extended such an invitation to union leaders in the 32 years the airline has been flying.