Ireland's 'green list' of countries that people can go to without restricting their movements has been cut to four.
The revised list, which will kick in on Monday, September 28th, includes just four countries - Cyprus, Finland, Latvia and Liechtenstein.
Germany, Poland, Lithuania and Iceland have been removed after just one week.
Liechtenstein is the only new country that has been added.
Aer Lingus said it is "concerned" by the Government's approach to the green list.
It comes as authorities at Dublin Airport are in talks about opening pre-departure Covid-19 testing units for fliers.
It is understood that the authorities behind Dublin and Cork Airports are in talks about establishing the testing facilities.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed on Wednesday that the Republic of Ireland would join the EU’s proposed plan to stop the restriction of travel which could see passengers taking tests days before flying.
If talks are successful, these testing methods could be introduced in October in line with the EU’s new travel plan but any final decision on pre-flight testing would be up to the Government.
A spokesman for Dublin Airport said: “We’ve proposed a pre-departure COVID test system for high risk locations to coincide with the introduction of the proposed new EU ‘traffic light’ travel framework.
“We’re also working with health experts to provide a testing centre here.”
He added: “Our proposals have been outlined to the Government department and other key agencies and discussions are ongoing.
“We support the adoption of a new EU ‘traffic light’ system, but it should also be accompanied by an EU testing protocol for travel.
“Decisions regarding testing will be made by the State.”
