The group representing Irish exporters has called for a 'no strike' clause to be inserted in the terms of employment for air traffic controllers.
The move follows last week's industrial action that disrupted flights for 20,000 passengers.
The Irish Exporters Association has said there were serious concerns that future strike action by air traffic controllers could potentially disrupt the flow of goods in and out of the country.
It said that the airfreight mode of reaching international markets was critical to the country's economic survival and employment levels.
The IEA wants Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey to introduce a no strike clause for air traffic controllers as a matter of urgency.
IEA Chief Executive John Whelan said: 'Each day of the year, we export approximately €215m of goods by air, much of which is temperature-controlled, time-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
'Any disruption to the supply line creates instant problems to our trading partners.'
