Aer Lingus profits soar despite difficult end to year 

The strong overall performance in 2025 was driven by operating profits of €135m and €170m in the second and third quarter respectively. 

Despite a significant end to 2025, Aer Lingus has seen its operating profits increase to €282m - an increase of €77m year-on-year - driven by a strong summer bookings, the company’s latest financial results show.

The company said that its operating profit during the final three months of the year, which includes the busy festive travel period, fell by €26m to €31m following a 45% increase in transatlantic competitor capacity through the 2025 / 2026 winter season.

The strong overall performance in 2025 was driven by operating profits of €135m and €170m in the second and third quarter respectively “contributed to by robust revenue performance, favourable fuel pricing and Aer Lingus capacity growth”, the company said.

The airline said it had increased its overall capacity by 6.6% during the year and passenger numbers by almost 3% compared to 2024. The airline also grew its transatlantic network with new routes to Indianapolis and Nashville, contributing to a capacity increase of 7.4% to North America.

Aer Lingus said it also took delivery of five Airbus A321XLR aircraft in 2024-2025 and the sixth XLR aircraft was delivered in January 2026.

“Aer Lingus’ fleet is now made up of one-third next-generation aircraft, contributing to the airline’s significant network growth and a reduction in carbon emissions,” the airline said.

Chief executive of Aer Lingus Lynne Embleton said 2025 was a “strong year” and looking ahead to the remainder of 2026 “we will continue to focus on efficiency, productivity and making investments to improve operating margin and to realise Aer Lingus’ full potential”.

Aer Lingus’ parent company IAG, which also owns British Airways and the Spanish airline Iberia, reported better-than-expected annual profit on Friday, helped by lower fuel costs and solid demand on core transatlantic routes and in premium cabins.

IAG reported operating profit before exceptional items of €5bn, slightly ahead of the €4.97bn forecast by analysts polled by LSEG and up 13% year on year.

Additional reporting Reuters.