Government to formally accept IAG's offer for Aer Lingus

The Minister for Transport Paschal Donohoe has said the Government is to formally accept IAG's offer for Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus shareholders held an extraordinary EGM this morning which passed resolutions to enshrine connectivity and three other committments which allow the sale to proceed.

The deal is worth €1.4bn.

IAG is expected to gain full control of Aer Lingus next month, but there have been concerns about the future of some jobs and routes at the airline.

However, Aer Lingus Chairman Colm Barrington said the buyout should be welcomed by customers and staff alike.

"Customers…will over time have greater connectivity worldwide," he said. "Employees will see greater opportunities, more flights and more jobs for cabin crew, maintenance people and ground (staff)."