/sites/default/files/upload/sharon_orourkes_ihf_committee_update_27th_april_2023.pdfHOTELIERS URGE GOVERNMENT TO SAFEGUARD AER LINGUS’ HEATHROW LANDING SLOTS

Heathrow slots are of critical strategic importance to Irish Tourism

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) today urged the Government to do everything in its power to ensure the long-term retention of the Aer Lingus take-off and landing slots at Heathrow for routes to and from Irish airports. Stephen McNally, President of the IHF, expressed concern at the prospect of the 23 slots being re-allocated to other routes following a potential takeover of the airline.

In light of the recent offers by International Airlines Group, Mr McNally states: “The Heathrow slots are of critical strategic importance to Ireland and the longterm prospects of our national tourism product. Any agreement that fails to safeguard these slots for Irish routes would have serious long-term implications for Irish tourism and air connectivity into the country, and particularly the regions. It is imperative that the Government secures contractual rights to determine the use of these slots as part of a possible sale of the State's interest in the airline.”

ENDS

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