Pre-registrations for the show were already at a record 70,000 and organisers IIR Exhibitions said they did not expect to see any drop off in first-day numbers, despite the first of four five-day walk-outs by BA staff coinciding with the start of Ipex.

Meetings were held this morning with Fujifilm and Heidelberg to decide whether their scheduled press conferences would continue today as planned. "We are now definitely going ahead," said Ipex event director Trevor Crawford.

"Flights to and from the local airports, including Birmingham, Leeds, Bradford and Manchester, are operating as normal – although things are changing by the hour. Arrivals are also starting up again from 1pm at Heathrow, Gatwick and London City airports."

In Europe, Rotterdam and Amsterdam airports have also shut down until at least 1pm today, but all other airports are currently open.

Crawford added that there would be a clearer picture of potential travel disruption this afternoon, following Acas talks between BA and Unite. "Even if a strike goes ahead, BA have said they will add in extra flights and other carriers will step in to help out travellers," said Crawford.

"We have an emergency travel advisor who is set up in a kiosk in the main atrium of the NEC. He will have updates throughout the day and will also be able to give practical solutions to any individual problems."