Aer Lingus says coronavirus safety a ‘top priority’ after busy flight criticism

The airline is to conduct a review of its Belfast to London Heathrow service after acknowledging ‘unexpectedly high loads’ on a Monday morning flight.

Aer Lingus is to conduct a review after pictures emerged of an almost full flight with no apparent evidence of social distancing measures.

The airline said any process changes required would be implemented as a “matter of urgency”.

The move came as pictures were shared from inside the cabin of a Belfast to London Heathrow flight this morning, showing row after row filled with passengers.

This was the @AerLingus flight from @BELFASTCITY_AIR to @londonheathrow this morning at 8:45. No social distancing taking place - one passenger told me they weren’t given any advice on how to keep themselves safe. More on @BBCevex next @taramillstv @NewsDeclan pic.twitter.com/eeAfcGf23O

— Kelly Bonner (@KellyBonner) May 4, 2020

Passenger Sean Mallon told BBC Radio Ulster there was “no social distancing whatsoever”.

“I would say there was about 95% of the seats taken on the flight,” he said.

In a statement, Aer Lingus said: “In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast–London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route, Aer Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service.

“The safety and security of Aer Lingus’s customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency.”