Aer Lingus calls on Government to finalise and facilitate implementation of Ireland's Aviation Restart Plan

Aer Lingus today called on Government to urgently facilitate the implementation of Ireland’s Aviation Restart Plan 2021.

Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Aer Lingus said:

“The need for a data-driven, risk-based Irish roadmap to reopen international travel is urgent. This will enable the restoration of connectivity and ensure that the economy is supported to deliver the recovery that will be vital for the country.

“With the publication of Ireland’s Aviation Restart Plan today by the National Civil Aviation Development Forum (NCADF), a considered and effective exit strategy is outlined. What is critically important now is that the Government urgently takes the required steps to finalise the plan and enable its implementation.

“Our UK neighbours recognise the importance of outlining an exit strategy for the sector and have endeavoured to do so in recent days.

“In the US, as the vaccination roll out continues apace, potential inbound tourists are considering where to travel later this year.

“The aviation sector works to long lead-times. Parameters for the opening of our economy including the restoration of international travel, aligned with our vaccination roll-out timeline and appropriate public health metrics, need to be developed.

“Government urgency and focus is therefore required to develop a clear and speedy pathway for the recovery of the aviation sector in this country.”