Government ‘powerless’ over Heathrow slots

The Government may be powerless to stop the disposal or reallocation of Aer Lingus’ Heathrow slots should it decide not to sell its 25% stake in the company, it has emerged.

IAG confirmed over the weekend that it is in renewed talks with Aer Lingus about a possible takeover.

A mechanism created at the time of the airline’s flotation in 2006 means that any disposal of Heathrow slots could only be blocked by the Government if it also secured the backing of an additional 5% of the shareholding, according to a parliamentary question submitted by Fianna Fáil TD Michael McGrath to Transport Minister Paschal Donohoe.