Mr Walsh - who orchestrated the creation of International Airlines Group (IAG) through the merger of British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia - will step down from the role and board of IAG on March 26 and retire on June 30.

Bombardier will sell another 15 planes to Spanish airline Nostrum, it was announced today.

RYANAIR has claimed the refusal of Valencia airport management to promote the airline’s European routes has led it to close its base there.

Ryanair announced today it is shutting its base in Valencia, Spain, with the loss of 70 weekly flights following a row with the local council.