Quarantine measures will cause 'irreparable damage' to the economy and 'significant job losses' if they're not lifted as soon as possible.
That's what the International Air Transport Association will tell an Oireachtas committee today.
Chief executive Willie Walsh will say Ireland's at risk of falling behind other economies because it has 'some of the strictest Covid measures in Europe'.
Yesterday Aer Lingus announced it's permanently closing its cabin crew case at Shannon Airport.
Aer Lingus staff at Cork Airport are coming to terms with the news that the airline is temporarily closing its base there
Almost 200 ground staff and cabin crew will be laid off with no pay from September until late November.
Ministers say they're committed to ensuring the aviation industry is in a position to rebound quickly following the pandemic.
It's the latest blow for the airport after Ryanair announced in March that it would not be reopening it's base there until at least the winter.
Speaking to RedFM News, SIPTU Aviation Organiser Tony Carroll says it's been a very difficult time for Aer Lingus staff in Cork.
"Most of our members in Cork Airport have had rescued earnings for over 12 months now, and many people are interacting with social welfare and have been for a considerable period of time.
"Obviously there is a concern around that, and we are trying to engage with the company to try and minimise that effect on staff for that period that they've referenced in September, October, November."
