British Airways and Iberia parent IAG has confirmed that it submitted "a proposal to make an offer" for Aer Lingus but met rejection from the Irish flag carrier's board.

Reacting to a Financial Times report that it is targeting Aer Lingus – which caused a brief surge in the airline's share price today – IAG made the disclosure in a statement to the London Stock Exchange.

"There can be no certainty that any further proposal or offer will be forthcoming," warns IAG, adding: "A further statement will be made if and when appropriate."

Source: Cirium Dashboard