Consumers’ Association of Ireland opposes airline sale

The most powerful independent consumer voice in the country has voiced an 11th-hour warning about the future of Aer Lingus, as the Government late last night endorsed the takeover offer by Willie Walsh’s IAG Group.

Michael Kilcoyne, deputy chairman of the Consumers’ Association of Ireland, claimed the Government has totally sidelined the interests of Irish consumers in its dealings with Mr Walsh.

He said that reduced competition will inevitably lead to higher ticket prices at Irish airports if IAG were to succeed in the takeover.