Aer Lingus has announced that up to 500 jobs at the airline will be cut over the next year. There will also be a closure of several short-haul and long-haul routes, while previously long-established routes will be cut to seasonal services. The airline currently employs around 6,000 people. Under the proposed plan, 290 roles in its head office at Dublin Airport, along with 140 cabin roles and 70 pilot positions, are at threat. The airline cited multiple reasons for the proposed cuts, including the continued challenging macro-economic environment, increased transatlantic competition, fuel costs and first quarter 2026 losses of £87m.
Aer Lingus expects the changes to commence at the end of the current summer season and continue through to 2027. The airline will also reduce its fleet by two Airbus A330 aircraft and four Airbus A320 aircraft by the summer 2027 season compared with 2026.
The Trade Union that represents a large number of staff at Aer Lingus, Fórsa, has said this announcement by Aer Lingus of proposed job losses will come as a profound shock to workers across the airline, including pilots, cabin crew and staff in head office functions. The union said its immediate priority is to engage constructively with the company, alongside fellow unions, to ensure that every possible step is taken to minimise the need for compulsory redundancies. Fórsa national secretary, Hazel Nolan, said the scale of the proposed reductions is deeply concerning: “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. We acknowledge the pressures facing the aviation sector. However, compulsory redundancies should only arise where all other options have been fully explored. This includes voluntary measures, redeployment opportunities, and meaningful engagement on alternatives. Consultation must be genuine and solution-focused. Workers and their representatives need full transparency from the company, and sufficient time and scope to examine all viable alternatives to job losses. Aer Lingus has a highly skilled and experienced workforce which has been central to its success. Any restructuring must recognise that reality and avoid measures that would weaken the airline’s capacity into the future.”
