Up to 200 cabin crew based in Manchester could face redundancy by the end of March after Aer Lingus removed long-haul flights from sale, casting serious doubt over the future of its Manchester operation.
The Irish flag carrier has stopped selling tickets for its long-haul services from Manchester beyond 31 March 2026, a move that signals a potential closure of the base. This development follows months of uncertainty and comes shortly after industrial action over pay and conditions, although Aer Lingus maintains that the decision is driven by poor financial performance rather than labour disputes.
Long-Haul Flights from Manchester Removed from Sale
Since 2021, Aer Lingus has operated non-stop long-haul routes from Manchester to New York, Orlando, and Barbados, using two Airbus A330 aircraft. These flights were launched as part of a leisure-focused expansion following changes in the UK aviation market.
However, the airline has now confirmed that tickets for these routes will no longer be sold for travel after the end of March 2026. Aer Lingus said suspending sales would help minimise disruption to customers should a full closure of the Manchester base go ahead.
Profitability Concerns at the Heart of the Decision
The move follows an internal review which found that the operating margin on Manchester-based long-haul flights was significantly weaker than Aer Lingus’s long-haul services operating from Ireland.
Senior management reportedly raised concerns about whether continued investment in the Manchester base could be justified, particularly when considering alternative uses for the aircraft within the wider network.
Industrial Action Added to Existing Pressures
The uncertainty surrounding the Manchester base intensified shortly after cabin crew working these long-haul routes began strike action over pay.
Crew operating under a UK-specific contract rejected a proposed 9% pay increase, arguing it failed to reflect rising living costs. Subsequent strike action led to flight cancellations and passengers being rerouted via Dublin, where different crew contracts apply.
The union representing Manchester-based cabin crew strongly disputed claims that the operation was underperforming and accused the airline of attempting to weaken union influence. While discussions were ongoing, the union has not yet issued a public response to the latest announcement.
Why Aer Lingus Opened a Manchester Base
Aer Lingus launched long-haul flights from Manchester in 2021 after identifying spare aircraft capacity and an opportunity created by the earlier collapse of a major leisure airline at the airport.
To operate these services, Aer Lingus established a separate UK-based business with its own Air Operator Certificate, distinct from its Irish operation. Around 200 cabin crew were hired locally to support the long-haul programme, which until recently was widely thought to be performing well.
What This Means for Passenger
Passengers booked to travel on affected flights after 31 March 2026 are unlikely to be entitled to compensation under UK or EU passenger rights regulations, as airlines are generally not required to pay compensation when sufficient notice is given.
Aer Lingus has confirmed it is proactively contacting customers and offering alternatives, which may include:
- Full refunds
- Rebooking via Dublin
- Reaccommodation on another airline from the UK
Customers are advised to wait for direct communication from the airline before making any changes.
No Formal announcement of Closure
While Aer Lingus has not yet formally confirmed the closure of its Manchester long-haul base, removing flights from sale is a significant step that places both jobs and future connectivity at risk. For passengers and staff alike, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this operation has a future beyond March 2026.
Read Announcement on Aer Lingus Website
