Aer Lingus warns up to 500 jobs could go as airline cuts routes and flights

The airline plans to reduce head office costs, cut lower-margin routes and consult staff on changes affecting up to 500 jobs

Aer Lingus announces job cuts and route reductions amid €103m first-quarter loss. Picture: Larry Cummins

Up to 500 jobs could be lost at Aer Lingus, while the airline will also cut back its flight schedule from September, the company announced on Thursday.

Aer Lingus said it plans to reduce employee costs at its head office by approximately 25% and make network changes to remove lower-margin flying.

The airline said the "network changes", which will take effect from late September 2026 and continue into summer 2027, will see overall flying reduced by 6%, including both long-haul and short-haul routes.

From the autumn/winter schedule, Aer Lingus routes from Dublin to Denver, Minneapolis and Las Vegas will be discontinued, while the Dublin-Seattle route will become seasonal only.

On short-haul routes, Aer Lingus will discontinue its Dublin-Split service, while Frankfurt, Hamburg and Malta will also become seasonal. The airline gave no indication of any Cork routes to be discontinued at this stage.

The airline said it recorded first-quarter losses of €103 million, citing elevated supplier costs, higher fuel costs, a continued challenging macroeconomic environment, and significantly increased transatlantic competition.

"To address these challenges, the airline has focused on reducing supplier costs and has reduced senior management roles by approximately 25%. In the next stage, the airline proposes to reduce wider employee costs in head office functions by approximately 25% and make network changes to remove lower-margin flying," an Aer Lingus statement said.

"The network changes that will begin to take effect from late September 2026 and continue into summer 2027 will see overall flying reduced by 6%, which will include some long-haul and short-haul routes. Linked to these network changes, there will be a reduction in the use of two A330 aircraft and four A320 aircraft for peak summer 2027.

On short-haul routes, Aer Lingus will discontinue its Dublin-Split service, while Frankfurt, Hamburg and Malta will also become seasonal. Picture Larry Cummins

"Aer Lingus will consult with employees and their representatives regarding the head office function changes and the network changes. These changes could see up to 500 employees leaving the airline.

"With many fleet decisions upcoming, Aer Lingus will also engage with employees and their representatives on cost efficiency and productivity so that the airline can be an investment case within the IAG Group. The more cost-efficient and productive the airline is, the more it will be able to fulfil its network and growth ambition.

"The consultation and engagement process will focus on reducing redundancies and potential future redundancies, and on what needs to be done to secure future investment in the business.

"All customers impacted by the network changes are being contacted directly and provided with re-accommodation or refund options."

Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton said: "Our accelerated transformation aims to set Aer Lingus up for the future, to ensure the airline is a strong investment case and able to weather the turbulence in our industry.

"An efficient cost base, coupled with investment in our customer experience, will enable Aer Lingus to fulfil its ambition to be the airline of choice connecting Europe with North America, support future growth and continue to provide connectivity and make a significant economic contribution to Ireland."

The Fórsa trade union said Thursday's announcement will come as a profound shock to workers across the airline, including pilots, cabin crew and staff in head office functions. Fórsa national secretary Hazel Nolan called the scale of cuts "deeply concerning" and said they would engage constructively with the company, alongside fellow unions, to minimise the need for compulsory redundancies.

“Today’s news will be very difficult for Aer Lingus workers and their families, many of whom will be worried about what this means for their livelihoods. Our focus now is on supporting members through this uncertainty and ensuring their interests are fully protected throughout the process,” Ms Nolan said.