Whether Qatar Airways further increases its stake in Aer Lingus and British Airways owner IAG will fully depend on the outcome of UK and EU Brexit trade talks, according to a leading aviation analyst.

The inaugural Qatar Airways flight from Doha to Dublin landed yesterday as the airline pleaded with the UN to intervene in the crisis which has seen the Middle Eastern country cut off from its neighbours. 

Qatar Airways chief executive Akbar Al Baker said he is happy with the level of the company’s 15% stake in Aer Lingus and British Airways owner IAG and will not seek a seat on the company board.

Qatar Airways has raised its stake in IAG — which owns British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and Vueling — close to 12%, strengthening ties built around the access that BA provides to North America, via London, and the Gulf carrier’s network of Asian routes.