The operator of Cork and Dublin Airports has hit back at claims by an airline organisation that passengers across Europe are being “denied the full benefits of air travel” due to airport charges.

The State-owned Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has said the prestigious Terminal 2 built less than seven years ago is safe, following a review of the aluminium cladding and polyethylene composite tiles on the building’s exterior.

The head of one of Europe’s largest low-fares airlines has promised to shake up the Irish transatlantic market after launching 17 ultra- low-fares flights from Ireland to the US — including the first direct transatlantic route from Cork Airport.

What should have been a celebration for the regions has been put in the shade by Norwegian revealing its flights to the US from Dublin, writes Alan Kelly TD.

Here's your lunchtime bulletin.

A TD has called on the DAA to come clean about its support for Norwegian’s new low-fares transatlantic services out of Ireland amid concerns about the future of its proposed Cork to New York route.

Airlines and airport authorities have criticised new plans by the Government to impose an annual €1m levy on airports to beef up security inspections by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).

Low-cost, long-haul airline Norwegian could face two inquiries into its decision to cancel winter flights from Cork and Shannon Airports to the US, just nine months after launching a year-round service.

The head of low-fares airline, Norwegian, is facing a grilling before the Oireachtas transport committee over its decision to axe their Cork-US route for the winter just six months after its launch.

Ryanair has hit out at the union representing Irish pilots after the airline said it is cancelling up to 30 flights tomorrow because of strike action.