The British airline BMI has played down reports that it is close to signing a deal to take over the Shannon to Heathrow routes, which were operated by Aer Lingus.
The Chairman of Shannon Airport Authority Pat Shanahan confirmed that the airport is in negotiations with a number of airlines, including bmi.
However, he said it would take several weeks for a final decision to emerge.
Mr Shanahan was in Brussels with a mid-west delegation to meet EU transport and competition officials.
They were discussing potential route support schemes and incentives that might be permissible for Shannon. Those incentives could prove crucial in attracting a replacement for Aer Lingus.
A report in today’s Limerick Leader suggests that the airport and BMI are on the verge of a deal.
However, a BMI spokesperson played down the report, saying it was far too early to talk of launching a new route.
BMI have said it is fully committed to the Irish marketplace, but it would not comment on potential route development.
Earlier this month, BMI's Chief Executive Nigel turner said his airline was unlikely to replace Aer Lingus in Shannon.
However, he added that if Shannon airport came up with some support, BMI would examine any package closely.
Meanwhile, the board of Aer Lingus were meeting today to consider Ryanair's request for an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders to discuss the airline's decision to drop the Shannon-Heathrow route.
