Walsh refuses to raise five-year slot vow

Would-be Aer Lingus takeover boss Willie Walsh flatly refused to extend guarantees on routes between Dublin, Cork and Shannon to London beyond five years, if his bid for the airline is successful.

Giving evidence to the Oireachtas transport committee, the head of International Aviation Group (IAG) insisted the proposed €1.36bn buyout would be the best way forward for Aer Lingus.

Mr Walsh said concern about keeping the Irish-Heathrow slots open was “completely misplaced” as the supposed sell-off value of the routes had been greatly exaggerated.