Virgin Atlantic to appear before Dáil Committee to discuss IAG bid for Aer Lingus shares

Representatives from Virgin Atlantic are expected to express concerns about the potential sale of the Government's stake in Aer Lingus to IAG, at a meeting of the Transport Committee later.

The airline is a direct competitor of British Airways, the biggest carrier in International Airlines Group.

Virgin has previously raised concerns about a number of issues should the sale go through, including connectivity, competition and the impact on the price of airline tickets.

Transport Committee chairman, Fine Gael's John O'Mahony, says Virgin has been asked to appear before it on foot of contact from the airline.

"Virgin Atlantic made contact with the committee in relation to the IAG bid for the Government shares of Aer Lingus and expressed some concerns," he said.

"We asked for further information, we discussed it at committee. This morning, we're having them in before us, so that they can articulate their views on the matter."