Pilots at Aer Lingus have called off their planned two-day strike which was due to start tomorrow.

The news came after Aer Lingus confirmed that it would agree to a proposal that both sides approach the Labour Relations Commission for talks on the dispute over the airline's plans for its Belfast base.

Earlier a letter from IALPA said it would stand down its planned 48-hour strike when it received confirmation from Aer Lingus that talks on the dispute could go ahead.

After a meeting this morning, IALPA said it had responded positively to an approach for talks from Aer Lingus management.

The breakthrough arose from a recommendation made in a letter of clarification from industrial relations troubleshooter Phil Flynn to IALPA.

It was Mr Flynn who earlier this year recommended to Aer Lingus management and pilots that the company should be able to employ staff at new bases outside the Republic using local terms and conditions.

In his letter, Mr Flynn said that had he known about the airline's plans for a base in Belfast when writing his report, he would have recommended the company discuss the pilots concerns directly with them.

Aer Lingus said last night that it would accept that recommendation, and invited the pilots for talks on condition they call off their 48-hour strike.

The airline said it will resume its full short haul schedule tomorrow, however there will be cancellations to its long haul operation.

Tomorrow,  flight EI 105 from Dublin to New York departing at 10.30am has been cancelled as has EI 104 from New York to Dublin leaving New York at 5.40pm.

On Wednesday, flight EI 123 from Dublin to Chicago has been cancelled as has EI 122 from Chicago to Dublin.

Aer Lingus said passengers holding confirmed bookings on short haul flights should check in at least two hours before departure.

Passengers traveling to the US and Dubai are advised to check in at least three hours prior to departure and customers who cancelled bookings due to the proposed strike action may re-book their flights free of charge.

Alternatively passengers may present themselves at check in where they will be accommodated.

The airline has set up a special telephone helpline at 0818 365044. Travelers within the UK can call 0870 876 2020 or they can check the Aer Lingus website at www.aerlingus.com.