The Minister for Transport has welcomed the European Commission's approval of the I.A.G. takeover of Aer Lingus.

The EU competition commissioner says the decision is on condition that I.A.G. gives up some of its landing slots at Gatwick.

It says this will ensure proper competition on routes to Dublin and Belfast.

Minister Paschal Donohue says officials will study the terms of the decision to ensure that Ireland's connectivity is maintained.

But Aviation analyst Alex Macheras says this deal should be largely good news for Irish passengers: