Deirdre Clune hits out at US Democrat over claims on proposed transatlantic flights

An Irish MEP has hit out at a US congressman for weighing into a protracted row around proposed transatlantic flights from Cork and Shannon airports.

Democrat Peter DeFazio has become embroiled in the dispute after he wrote to the European transport commissioner voicing concerns about Irish-registered Norwegian Air, which he accused of using Ireland as a “flag of convenience”.

Last September, Norwegian Air announced it would be launching transatlantic flights from Ireland to Boston. Since then, the US has refused to grant permission to the proposed routes, with many politicians, including former presidential hopeful Bernie Sanders, objecting to the plans.