It is feared the facility may be forced to close on July 16 and 17 if workers walk out in a dispute over pay.

Unions representing firefighters, baggage handlers and cleaners have been urged by airport operators Derry City Council to exempt their members from the UK-wide strike.

DUP councillor Joe Miller, chairman of the council's Airport Committee, warned this week that if firefighters were not present, planes would not be able to take off or land.

The council is trying to avert another closure after City of Derry was shut down by the Civil Aviation Authority for several days last April over safety fears.

A spokeswoman for Derry City Council said that the body is currently in discussions with local union representatives to minimise the impact, on local services, of proposed UK Local Government Industrial Action.

She added that updates are expected as the negotiations between the UK National Employers Organisation for Local Government Services and the unions continue.

Alderman Miller said a strike would undo a year of good work invested at the facility and would inconvenience passengers.

"Over the past year there has been substantial investment and resources committed to City of Derry Airport," he said.

"We have made a strong case to both unions for an exemption for staff and we will await a reply. The impact of any closure will have significant disruption on passengers and through discussions we hope that an agreement can be reached."

Last year the airport was shut down for four days due to what was described as a "systematic failure of safety management" by the CAA.

An inquiry later found a high instance of bird strikes, planes coming in to land as trains skirted the runway and firefighters doubling up as baggage handlers.

The public will be advised of final travel arrangements once airlines have been advised of the decision and considered the impact on services. Further details will be available via www.cityofderryairport.com.