Plans to commence direct flights between Ireland and Egypt

QUESTION

To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport his plans to commence direct flights between Ireland and Egypt; the efforts made to date by him or his officials in this regard; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

To ask the Minister for Transport; Tourism and Sport if he or his officials have had formal meetings with Egyptian officials or airlines regarding commencing direct flights between Ireland and Egypt; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

REPLY

The Government recently approved the text of a bilateral Air Sevice Agreement with Egypt. Dail approval has also been secured to allow Ireland sign and ratify the Agreement. It is understood that the Agreement will be formally signed by both States in the very near future.
 
Any decision made with regard to the operation of air services between Ireland and Egypt would be a commercial matter for the airlines concerned. My Department has no role in business decisions of airlines and no meetings have taken place with officials from Egypt on the matter.