Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks to discuss challenges facing the Aviation Sector with Willie Walsh of International Air Transport Association (IATA)

Ahead of the meeting at 2.30pm in Committee Room 2 of Leinster House, Committee Cathaoirleach Deputy Kieran O’Donnell said: “The aviation sector here in Ireland has been among the hardest hit due to the pandemic as traffic through Dublin, Shannon, Cork and Knock airports collapsed due to restrictions on travel into and out of the country. It is essential that as our economy and society reopen, that we have a plan in place for restarting international travel through supporting our airports and aviation sector.

“As an island nation, it is critical to our business and tourism sectors that our vital air links to Britain, Europe, the United States and the wider world are quickly re-established. Given his previous roles as chief executive of Aer Lingus, British Airways and IAG, and now as Director General & CEO of IATA, the Committee looks forward to hearing the views of Mr Walsh on the challenges facing the aviation sector and what Ireland can do to meet them.”

The Joint Committee on Transport and Communications Networks has 14 Members, nine from the Dáil and five from the Seanad.

The meeting in Committee Room 2 can be viewed live on Oireachtas.ie.

Committee proceedings can also be viewed on the Houses of the Oireachtas Smartphone App, available for Apple and Android devices.