Aer Lingus takeover could lead to more flights from UK regions, says IAG
British Airways’ parent IAG welcomed the Irish Parliament’s decision yesterday to give the go-ahead to its purchase of Aer Lingus for €1.35 billion.
IAG chief Willie Walsh indicated that as a result of the takeover, Aer Lingus might launch more flights from regional airports such as Bristol, Cardiff and Liverpool, to Dublin where passengers could connect on to the carrier’s long-haul services.
He said there were regional airports BA couldn’t serve because of a lack of slots at Heathrow.
Walsh said it was IAG’s intention to grow the airline, creating an additional 150 new jobs by the end of next year and 630 by 2020.
He told Bloomberg Business that IAG will now make a formal offer for Ryanair’s stake in Aer Lingus, which is just below 30%.
The budget airline has previously indicated a willingness to sell its shares after repeatedly failing to increase its shareholding in the Irish flag carrier.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Skyscanner reveals major travel trends 2026 at ITB Asia
In Italy, the Meloni government congratulates itself for its tourism achievements