Irish holidaymakers could return to flying across Europe this summer, an expert has claimed.
Patrick Ky, Executive Director of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), believes that flights across the continent should be possible over the coming months.
However he also warned that this might only include the 26 Schengen Area countries, which does not include Ireland.
Mr Ky told the Today Show on RTE Radio One that he is "optimistic that in Europe, or at least in Schengen, flying for the summer holidays will be possible".
He outlined several travel guidelines that must be followed if airlines are to return safely.
This includes the wearing of masks at all times, reduced food and drink service and no hot food.
Physical distancing must also be maintained where possible, and hand hygiene and air filtration must also be emphasised.
The EASA chief said he was confident that the safety of health passengers could be assured if these measures are followed.
He added: "If you are not sick, you are not going to become sick by taking a journey.
"The concern from certain governments is to say we should not spread the virus by allowing sick people to travel, which is a slightly different issue.
"And that's why in our guidelines we have put together some measures such as health questionnaire, which would say if you have any suspicion of being sick, or if you have been in contact with people you suspect may be sick, then please don't travel.
"What we are saying is, if you are not sick, we can reasonably guarantee to you that you will not get the disease on board an aircraft or in an airport.
"If you are sick, we would prefer to prevent you from flying."
