Aer Lingus says it to burn cash for months despite Irish travel plan

DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's Aer Lingus welcomed the government's plan to ease travel restrictions from July 19 as "a first step on the long road to rebuilding aviation" but it will continue to burn a significant amount of cash over the coming months.

The Irish airline, which like British Airways and Iberia is owned by International Airlines Group, said schedules will be a fraction of normal levels for some time and it faced significant restructuring to rebuild network and financial strength.

"While Aer Lingus welcomes the easing of travel restrictions, it will not facilitate a significant level of travel to and from Ireland during the critical summer months of 2021," the carrier said in a statement.

(Reporting by Padraic Halpin; Editing by Chris Reese)