Aer Lingus forced to cut its profit forecast

The recent threat of strike action has led Aer Lingus to significantly lower its financial outlook for this year.

The airline now says it expects operating profits to fall by 10%-20% instead of remaining in line with last year’s tally.

Aer Lingus generated operating profits (before net exceptional items) of €61.1m last year — nearly 12% down on the previous 12 months — and had expected its 2014 numbers to be broadly in line, despite the adverse effect of the strike called for the June Bank Holiday weekend.