Opposition to airline sale grows as State called on to block deal

Opposition to IAG’s potential takeover of Aer Lingus is growing, with a host of business, political, and academic commentators calling on the Government to use its stake in the carrier to block the advances.

Serious concerns were expressed that any deal with IAG could compromise the future economic viability of many of the country’s regional hubs, including Cork and the Midwest.

Shannon Chamber chief executive Helen Downes urged the Government to back away from what she described as a “high-risk decision”, urging ministers to block the takeover.