Department of Transport: Air Services Market

Air Services Market

The creation of the EU internal market in air services in the 1990s removed all commercial restrictions for carriers flying within the EU such as restrictions on the routes that could be served, the number of flights that could be operated and the fares that could be imposed. All EU licensed carriers are now free to operate services on any route within the Community. The Revised 3^rd Air Package - Regulation (EC) No.1008/2008 - sets down common rules for the operation of air services in the Community. Carriers whose principal place of business is in Ireland are licensed in accordance with the Regulation by the Commission for Aviation Regulation.

Rights to operate commercial air services between Ireland and States outside the European Union are subject to the existence of a bilateral Air Service Agreement under the Chicago Convention and the provisions of domestic law.

Ireland has a significant number of bilateral Air Service Agreements with third countries and the Aviation Services & Security Division is responsible for implementation of the existing agreements and negotiating new agreements.

Click here for a list of Irelands bilateral air service agreements.

Access to air services is particularly important for Ireland as a small open island economy on the edge of Europe. Therefore, in negotiating and managing our bilateral aviation arrangements the Departments primary objective is to facilitate and encourage as wide a range as possible of reliable, safe and competitive air services to link the State with key business and tourism markets. Enquiries regarding authorisations to operate commercial air services between Ireland and third countries can be made to Aviation Services & Security Division at:

Tel: +353 (0)1 6041048 / 49 / 50

Fax: +353 (0)1 6041699

Email: civilair@dttas.ie