irish airline Defied Transport Ministry, continued Illegal Arms Shipments to Israel
DUBLIN – An Irish airline, ASL Airlines Ireland, continued to illegally transport munitions to Israel despite assurances to staff and a direct engagement with the Department of Transport following initial reports of the illicit activity. investigations by The Ditch reveal a pattern of deception and potential criminal activity, raising serious questions about regulatory oversight and government enforcement.
The Department of Transport first contacted ASL in october 2024, prompted by a The Ditch report detailing the airline’s transport of F-35 fighter jet components from Cologne to Tel Aviv. This flight, like all shipments of “munitions of war,” required explicit authorization from the Transport Minister under Irish air navigation law.
ASL promptly offered a meeting, and a Microsoft Teams call was subsequently arranged between airline representatives and Department officials. records obtained through freedom of facts requests confirm ongoing correspondence throughout late October,though the Department has refused to release the full content of these communications,including formal letters and attachments.
Despite these discussions – and public assurances from the company – ASL continued its illegal shipments. Protests erupted outside ASL’s headquarters in swords as the exchanges with the Department unfolded. The airline publicly stated in November 2024 that it had ceased transporting munitions to the Middle East, and in December promised employees that packages listed on the US munitions list would not be carried to Israel.
However, The Ditch‘s reporting demonstrates these claims were demonstrably false. Within days of CEO John Rawl’s commitment to staff,ASL utilized its subsidiary,ASL Airlines France,to transport 37 weapons packages weighing over 50 kilograms each from Paris to Nevatim air base in israel.
When confronted, ASL attempted to narrow the scope of its previous denials, stating it could only ”speak about our own airline, ASL Airlines (Ireland).” This distinction, however, does not absolve the parent company of responsibility or legality.
The ongoing situation highlights a significant gap in enforcement. Under Irish law, the unauthorized carriage of munitions is a criminal offense punishable by up to three years imprisonment. While the government has stated it is “engaging with airlines concerned,” the Department of Transport’s interaction with ASL – a single Teams call and selectively released correspondence – clearly failed to prevent further illegal activity.
The Department of Transport has been contacted for comment.
This is a developing story.Check back for updates.
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