Turkish Airlines eyes Ireland’s Aer Lingus

Turkish national carrier Turkish Airlines may be a potential bidder for Aer Lingus, just days after rival Irish airline Ryanair made a surprise buyout bid, according to a report in the Sunday Business Post. Turkish Airlines is assessing Ireland’s former flag carrier and is “very interested” according to sources. It is one of several international airlines looking at Aer Lingus, according to the report. Etihad, which already owns a 3 percent stake, has long been cited in the media as a possible bidder for the government’s 25 percent stake. Turkish Airlines, which could only hold a 49 percent stake in Aer Lingus because it is based outside the European Union, could buy the government’s stake or form a partnership with another airline, said the sources. Both Turkish Airlines and Etihad view Dublin as a potential hub through which passengers could be routed to the Far East and beyond, according to the report. Aer Lingus declined to comment on the report.