Today’s announcement by Government is a first step on the long road to rebuilding aviation in Ireland. This future lifting of travel restrictions will give the opportunity for people to see friends and families and enjoy a much needed holiday over the latter weeks of the summer. 

For a considerable period of time the Irish aviation sector has been seeking a data-driven, risk-based Irish roadmap to reopen international travel and to enable the restoration of connectivity.

The narrative from Government – until today - was that people should not book flights or plan future travel and this has had a profound impact on bookings, and in turn, on Ireland’s international connectivity.

Today consumers have finally been given a green light to begin booking future travel and at Aer Lingus we will be ready to welcome as many customers on board our aircraft as is possible. The reported proposed removal of  the US from the Mandatory Hotel Quarantine list from tomorrow is particularly welcome and is sensible. It is now critical that there is a timely and flawless technical implementation by Ireland of the EU Digital COVID Certificate.

However, flying schedules will be a fraction of normal levels for some time to come. While Aer Lingus welcomes the easing of travel restrictions announced today, it will not facilitate a significant level of travel to and from Ireland during the critical summer months of 2021. It is also disappointing that the reopening of the Common Travel Area is delayed and that EU approved rapid antigen testing has not been approved as a standard of pre-departure testing.

With restrictions in place until late July, Aer Lingus will continue to burn a significant amount of cash over the coming months. The cumulative consequences of the crisis over the last 15 months leaves Aer Lingus facing significant restructuring to rebuild its network and financial strength.