Aer Lingus returns to profit but remains below pre-pandemic levels

Owner IAG says demand for flights has not wavered after a strong summer

Aer Lingus is repairing its balance sheet and repaying the significant debt that has been taken on.

Aer Lingus owner IAG said demand for its flights had not wavered after a strong summer that saw revenue exceed pre-pandemic levels despite a cap on capacity at its London Heathrow hub and lingering covid restrictions in Asia.

Chief Executive Luis Gallego said all of IAG's carriers - which include British Airways, Iberia and Vueling - were "significantly profitable" in the quarter and the recovery looked set to continue.