Aer Lingus Halts Sales of Transatlantic Flights from Manchester Airport
Irish airline Aer Lingus has announced that it will no longer be selling long haul flights from Manchester Airport, effective March 31. This decision affects popular routes to New York, Orlando, and Barbados, as well as flights within Ireland.
The announcement comes after a series of strike actions at the Manchester base in 2025, leading to concerns about the future of the airline’s operations at the airport.
Aer Lingus released a statement on their website addressing the situation, stating that they are currently facing uncertainty with their transatlantic services at the Manchester base. As a result, they have made the decision to stop selling transatlantic flights from Manchester, while assuring customers that there will be no impact on flights between Manchester and Ireland.
The airline also acknowledged that this may cause disruptions for customers and is in the process of contacting them directly regarding their flights. They have also provided information on EU Regulation 261/2004, which outlines passenger rights in case of flight disruptions.
For travelers looking for alternative transatlantic options from Manchester Airport, they can consider flying from other UK bases such as London or taking a connecting flight from Dublin with Aer Lingus. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also operate transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport, although they are typically more expensive.
Unite, the leading union representing workers in the civil air transport industry, has responded to Aer Lingus’s announcement. In a statement, they expressed concerns about the potential closure of the Manchester base and the impact it would have on their members, including 130 cabin crew members. They also noted that Aer Lingus reported a profit of €135 million in 2025 and projected profits of £35 million from two aircraft operating the transatlantic routes at Manchester Airport, suggesting that the base is profitable.
At this time, Aer Lingus has not confirmed whether the Manchester base will be closed permanently, leaving workers uncertain about their jobs. Customers can visit the airline’s website for more information and to contact them directly.
In conclusion, Aer Lingus’s decision to stop selling transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport has affected many travelers and raised concerns about the future of the airline’s operations at the airport. Customers and workers are advised to stay updated on the situation and make alternative travel plans if necessary.