It has been rumoured for weeks now, but it seems that Aer Lingus is to suspend its UK operation that is based in Manchester.
Aer Lingus’ Manchester transatlantic will wind down operations as of 31st March 2026. The Manchester -New York operations will cease earlier, on 23rd February 2026.
The airline plans to operate a service from Dublin to Barbados (subject to receipt of necessary approvals) during the months of April and May to reaccommodate affected customers.
Aer Lingus does not expect there to be any impact on operations before these dates.
There is no impact on Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional (Operated by Emerald Airlines) flights between Manchester and Ireland.
Aer Lingus UK currently operates two Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which were formerly from the main Irish Airline.
Reaccommodation
At a time like this, passengers will want to know what to do next.
All impacted customers are being informed of the cancellation of flights directly and provided with reaccommodation and refund options. Passengers will be contacted directly regarding their flights.
If you have already contacted the airline to request an alternative flight, Aer Lingus is working on the request and will be in contact in due course.
And yes, you have rights. For full information regarding your rights under EU261, see EU Regulation 261/2004.
Not Unexpected Sadly
Aer Lingus has been in consultation with its staff since November regarding the Manchester base, with it underperforming compared to the rest of the company.
It seems we have reached the final outcome – where Aer Lingus is choosing to shutter the operation, preferring to funnel passengers through Dublin, rather than incur further losses at Manchester.
Manchester Airport has had issues sustaining transatlantic services (regulars of this blog in its past will know this was the home of BMI Long Haul as well as Delta and American Airlines).
Currently, airlines operating transatlantic routes include Air Canada (seasonal), Air Transat, TUI Airways and Virgin Atlantic.
More passengers are going to have to look forward to going down to London or going across to Dublin and connecting, it seems.
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