Aviation Policy

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 29 July 2020

Wednesday, 29 July 2020

Ceisteanna (111)

Mairéad Farrell

Ceist:

111. Deputy Mairéad Farrell asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport if his attention has been drawn to a charter aircraft registered here (details supplied) which flew from Benghazi, Libya to Washington United States of America via Shannon Airport on 24 June 2020; if there was no transfer of passengers between the aircraft which arrived in Dublin from Washington at 12.49am and another aircraft which departed Dublin for Benghazi at 2.10am on 26 June 2020 on the west apron of Dublin Airport; the number of passengers on board the flights; the purpose of their visit; if passengers passed through immigration and US pre-clearance at Shannon Airport; his views regarding such flights in the context of UN Security Council Resolution 1970 which applies an embargo on the supply of arms and military equipment to and from Libya; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19342/20]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport

Shannon Group PLC has confirmed to my officials that a crew only private flight transited Shannon Airport on 24 June. US Preclearance for business jets is not available at this time due to US COVID-19 restrictions, and crew only transit flights are not subject to Irish immigration checks.  

daa has confirmed to my officials that a GainJet Aviation 757 flew from Washington DC on 26 June with 26 passengers on board and landed in Dublin Airport. These passengers transferred to a waiting GainJet Aviation 737 which then departed for Benghazi.

As GainJet Aviation is an EU air operator, there was no requirement for it to seek air traffic rights or other flight approvals from my Department.

No application for an exemption to carry munitions of war was received by my Department for either of the above flight operations.