Up to 500 Aer Lingus jobs at risk as airline cuts poor-performing routes

Reports indicate that around 290 head office roles, 140 cabin crew positions and 70 pilot posts are among those potentially impacted. | Stock

placeholder image — Reports indicate that around 290 head office roles, 140 cabin crew positions and 70 pilot posts are among those potentially impacted. | Stock

The restructuring could affect up to 500 positions across the company, including pilots, cabin crew and head office staff

Up to 500 jobs are at risk at Aer Lingus as the airline moves to cut underperforming routes and reduce flight capacity as part of a major cost-cutting programme.

The Irish carrier announced on Thursday that it plans to reduce its overall flight capacity by around 6%, with a number of lower-margin and "poor-performing" routes set to be cut or operated on a seasonal basis.

The measures form part of a wider transformation plan aimed at improving profitability and securing future investment.

Aer Lingus said the airline is facing a challenging operating environment, including rising fuel prices, higher supplier costs, increased carbon charges and growing competition, particularly on transatlantic services.

The restructuring could affect up to 500 positions across the company, including pilots, cabin crew and head office staff.

Reports indicate that around 290 head office roles, 140 cabin crew positions and 70 pilot posts are among those potentially impacted.

The airline said consultations will now begin with employees and trade unions, with management insisting the changes are necessary to strengthen the company's long-term future and improve operating margins.

Aer Lingus Chief Executive Lynne Embleton said the transformation programme is designed to position the airline for future growth while maintaining Ireland's international connectivity.

The announcement follows a difficult period for the airline, which reported a first-quarter loss of more than €100 million amid soaring fuel costs and wider economic pressures.

While Aer Lingus has not yet published a full list of the routes affected, the airline confirmed that both short-haul and long-haul services will be reviewed as part of the network reduction.

Trade unions are expected to seek further details on the proposed cuts in the coming days as discussions get underway on how the changes will be implemented and whether compulsory redundancies can be avoided.