Aer Lingus takeover bid moves closer

IAG's takeover bid for Aer Lingus could be a step closer to completion this morning.

It is understood a deal on the future of the contentious Heathrow landing slots has been agreed, which would maintain the number of flights from London to Ireland for a number of years.

The agreement will reportedly allow a veto on the sale of the landing slots to be retained. The agreement has been informally checked with European competition authorities.

Yesterday, the Transport Minister said he anticipated a final decision on the takeover will be made within weeks.

That decision could come before the Aer Lingus AGM next month.