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Is Your Air Carrier Licensed?

All air carriers who transport passengers for hire/reward must hold a valid Operating Licence and Air Operator’s Certificate.

An Operating Licence is issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to air carriers who have their principal place of business in Ireland. A licensed air carrier must also have, and for the duration of the Operating Licence hold, an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC). The IAA is also responsible for the granting of AOCs to Irish air carriers.

Licensed air carriers are monitored closely to make sure they meet a number of requirements, which include safety standards, satisfactory insurance cover and financial fitness.

Using an unlicensed air carrier may, in the event of an accident, invalidate aircraft and personal insurance.

Always check to see if your chosen air carrier holds a licence to carry passengers for hire/reward. Information on current air carrier licence holders is available here.

For non-paying passengers intending to take a flight with a General Aviation operator, the IAA has published a Safety Leaflet (No. IGA 8) which highlights some important safety considerations.