Air traffic controllers returned to talks with management today as concern about flight delays due to a dispute over staffing levels eased.
Disruption was expected from 8.30am and 6pm at Cork airport today due a row between controllers and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) that has been rumbling since the start of the year.
However disruption was minimal after controllers this morning said they were satisfied there were sufficient numbers to run the service safely.
A spokesman for Impact trade union, which represents the controllers at Dublin, Cork and Shannon, said: "Following a review this morning of all flights in and out of Cork airport today, traffic volume was judged to be within the operational capacity of the number of Air Traffic Control Officers (ATCOs) on duty. Therefore, ATCOs were able to lift the restrictions on air traffic."
The IAA confirmed that flights were operating as normal.
Management and the union returned to Labour Relations Commission (LRC) this morning to try to thrash out a resolution to a dispute that has also led to flight delays at Dublin and Shannon.
The IAA says the controllers are engaged in unofficial action, but Impact maintains its members have withdrawn from a voluntary overtime scheme.
Around 100 controllers working a 24-hour roster say there has been no new hiring for over six years, and that with increased traffic volumes, control towers are excessively reliant on overtime.
The company says it has already hired trainees who will not be available until late next year. Management say they are also attempting to recruit qualified controllers but that they still require several months training.
If no agreement is reached at the LRC today, the controllers are due to begin an official overtime ban from February 26th with the possibility of full stoppages to follow.
