The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has released a statement pleading with Spanish air traffic controllers not to walk out over a pay dispute.
The dispute between the Syndicated Union of Air Traffic Controllers (SUATC) and the Spanish government has been ongoing since February, when overtime hours and controllers pay were slashed.
The government wants to make further pay cuts.
Giovanni Bisignani, IATA's CEO, urged SUATC to enter into an arbitration process.
"This is not the time for strikes. Arbitration is a fair, open and balanced means to settle the differences between AENA and the air traffic controllers. And it would avoid debilitating disruption to Spain's economy," said Bisignani.
"The global financial crisis and Europe's ongoing debt crisis are challenging governments, employers and employees to change in order to build stronger and more robust economies.
"With 20% unemployment, Spain cannot be a spectator. The economy is weak and it can ill afford the devastating effects of an air traffic control strike on Spanish business, especially tourism."
www.iata.org