The Irish government could approve the sale of Aer Lingus in the next couple of days after receiving a report by its steering committee into the deal.
The report, which will be presented at a cabinet meeting this morning, suggests that IAG has offered a fair price for the state’s 25 per cent stake in the airline.
Earlier this year, Aer Lingus confirmed it was willing to accept a takeover offer of €2.55 a share from British Airways owner IAG.
The Irish carrier said the proposed €1.36 billion bid was “subject to certain pre-conditions” and granted IAG access to perform a "limited period of confirmatory due diligence".
The government has delayed making a decision and set up the committee to review the arguments around the sale.
Paschal Donohoe, the Irish transport minister, has said that the government would “take great care and exercise great caution in examining the pros and cons to Ireland” of any offer.
If the government approves the deal today, it must still face a vote in parliament, where there is significant to the deal. A deal also hinges on the agreement Ryanair sells its 30 per cent stake.