Anne Rabbitte (Galway East, Fianna Fail)
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967. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if the Shannon to Heathrow service will be resumed; the timeline for resumption; if an airline (details supplied) has signalled to his Department that such flights will resume albeit with social distancing; if commercial passenger activity more generally at Shannon Airport will resume soon; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5570/20]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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There are currently no flight restrictions in place in Ireland and the operation of the London Heathrow route,  or any route from Shannon, is a commecial decision for airlines, in consultation with the airport and other stakeholders.

Aer Lingus entered into certain commitments at the time of its acquisition by IAG in 2015 in relation to the operation of its London Heathrow slots. These commitments are, however, subject to certain force majeure provisions, which are defined to include an "epidemic or pandemic". The reduction in Aer Lingus frequencies to London Heathrow is therefore in accordance with these provisions.

Aer Lingus has advised my Department that it will keep its schedule under review having regard to the changing circumstances.