Talks to head off a wave of strikes by Spanish airport workers will be held in Spain on Thursday amid fears that the stoppages could have a ripple effect across Europe.

Union leaders will meet Jose Blanco, Spain's development minister, in an attempt to settle the dispute over plans to privatise the country's airports.

Spanish unions have threatened 22 days of strikes starting just ahead of Easter and running through until August.

They have called key workers out, including firemen without whom airports cannot operate as well as baggage handlers and back office staff.

A stoppage would not only shut Spain's airports, but could have an impact elsewhere, warned a spokesman for the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the body representing scheduled airlines.

"If you take one country out of the network, there could be problems," he said.

Any disruption can lead to aircraft and crews being stranded in the wrong place, which can have a knock-on impact.

Another difficulty will be faced by long haul carriers who were planning to stop at major Spanish airports en-route to South America.

These aircraft would have to be re-routed to airports in other countries which are not involved in the strike.

Given congestion in Europe's crowded skies, this in turn could lead to some juggling of schedules.

There were some indications that Spain may be able to offer at least a skeleton service, should the walkouts take place.

Mr Blanco voiced optimism that an agreement could be reached, although Spanish unions did not agree.

In Britain, Theresa Villiers, the aviation minister, appealed to both sides to reach an agreement. "This strike would be bad news for thousands of British holidaymakers. I really hope the unions come back from the brink and find a way to resolve the dispute without a strike which could cause so much travel misery."