Aer Lingus announces job losses and route cuts after quarterly loss

Aer Lingus has announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs as part of a cost-saving programme aimed at improving profitability and supporting future investment.

The airline said the proposals put 290 head office roles, 140 cabin crew positions and 70 pilot jobs at risk. It currently employs around 6,000 people.

Aer Lingus also plans to reduce flight capacity by 6 percent, with several routes being withdrawn or becoming summer-only services.

The airline cited a difficult economic environment, stronger transatlantic competition, rising fuel costs and a €103 million first-quarter loss as reasons for the changes.

In a statement, the airline said the "changes are essential to support required improvement in its operating margin, which is needed to underpin future investment."

"The more cost efficient and productive the airline is, the more it will be able to fulfil its network and growth ambition”, it added.

Aer Lingus said affected passengers will be contacted directly and offered alternative travel arrangements or refunds.

Chief executive Lynne Embleton said the "transformation aims to set Aer Lingus up for the future."

Irish trade union Forsa said the proposed job losses "will come as a profound shock to workers across the airline" and pledged to work with the company to reduce the need for compulsory redundancies.

The changes are expected to begin from late September 2026 and continue into summer 2027.