Aer Lingus owner not on bailout trail as European airlines hunt for cash 

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary has said that airlines should rely on cash reserves and shareholders rather than seeking state bailouts

Aer Lingus owner IAG and Ryanair have shunned state bailouts. Picture: PA

Aer Lingus and British Airways owner IAG has said that it has no current interest in receiving any government bailout or state aid, despite a potential future need to boost its finances past its recent €2.7bn rights issue due to the continued impact of Covid-19 on the aviation industry.

The question of state aid for airlines is front and centre again, with Ryanair group chief executive Michael O’Leary urging the UK government not to financially help struggling airlines, and Norwegian Air battling for survival after Norway’s government said it will not give any more money to support the stricken carrier.