International Consolidated Airlines Group has welcomed a decision by the European Commission to approve its offer for Aer Lingus.

IAG recently agreed to purchase the stakes in the Irish flag-carrier held by both the Irish government and rival carrier Ryanair.

As part of the planned takeover, IAG has agreed five daily slot pairs will be made available to other airlines at London Gatwick for flights between the airport and Dublin or Belfast. 

Specifically, two of the five daily frequencies must be operated between Gatwick and Dublin.

At the same time, one daily frequency must be operated between Gatwick and Belfast, while the other two frequencies can be operated between Gatwick and either Dublin or Belfast.

Other airlines can apply for seats on Aer Lingus’ short-haul network for their transfer passengers, on normal commercial terms.