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Aer Lingus proposes cutting up to 500 jobs under cost plan

The airline attributed the plan to a challenging macro environment, higher fuel costs, and first-quarter 2026 losses of €103 million, while tying schedule changes to removing poor performing routes.

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Aer Lingus has proposed cutting up to 500 jobs as part of a new cost-cutting and network optimization plan, the BBC Business reported. The airline said 290 roles in its head office are at risk, along with 140 cabin positions and 70 pilot roles, and noted it employs about 6,000 people.

Aer Lingus also plans a planned 6% reduction in flight capacity by removing what it described as poor performing routes. The company cited multiple factors behind the proposal, including increased transatlantic competition, fuel costs, and first-quarter 2026 losses of €103 million.

The airline said impacted customers will be contacted directly and offered re-accommodation or refund options. It expects changes to begin in late September 2026, continuing into summer 2027, and said it will reduce the use of two A330 aircraft and four A320 aircraft for peak summer 2027.

Aer Lingus said the changes are intended to support an improvement in its operating margin to underpin future investment, with a target operating margin of 12% to 15%. BBC Business also noted that the Irish trade union Fórsa called the job losses a profound shock and said its priority is to push for steps to minimize compulsory redundancies.

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