A strike by baggage handlers and maintenance workers at Gatwick failed to disrupt flights on Saturday.
Hundreds of workers mounted picket lines outside the airport as they launched a 24-hour walkout in protest at workloads and the suspension of a union official.
The Transport and General Workers Union said the stoppage was solidly supported and claimed disruption was only averted because of expensive contingency plans which included the use of managers and other workers trained to take the place of the strikers.
About 600 baggage handlers and maintenance staff, employed by Servisair, walked out at 5am.
But the company, which serves scheduled airlines including easyJet and Ryanair, said it was pleased with the success of its contingency plans and there had been no impact on passengers.
The airport said scheduled flights had continued as normal.
The workers are planning a second strike on Thursday unless the dispute is resolved.
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