Aer Lingus Announces Cancellation of 76 Flights Next Week

Aer Lingus announces the cancellation of 76 flights from next Monday to Wednesday due to the ongoing pay dispute with the Irish Airlines Pilots’ Association (IALPA). The airline aims to minimise disruption to other services impacted by the industrial action.

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Cancellation of 76 Flights Announced Amid Ongoing Pay Dispute and Labour Court Hearings

Affected passengers on July 8, 9, and 10 can reschedule their flights for free or opt for a refund or voucher.

Both Aer Lingus management and IALPA submitted their written cases to the Labour Court, which will hear their presentations today and later issue a recommendation. Despite the court’s request to avoid escalation, IALPA’s work-to-rule remains in place.

The Labour Court, after over eight hours of meetings on Monday, decided to formally intervene under the Industrial Relations Act. IALPA President Captain Mark Tighe accused Aer Lingus of inflexibility, while Aer Lingus’ Donal Moriarty described the court’s engagement as constructive.

The ongoing industrial action, which included an eight-hour strike on Saturday and indefinite work-to-rule, has already led to the cancellation of 392 flights. The pilots are demanding a 24% pay rise to account for inflation since 2019, while Aer Lingus offers a 12.25% increase, seeking productivity and flexibility in return.

Taoiseach Simon Harris welcomed the Labour Court’s intervention and urged both sides to find a resolution. Last Thursday’s five-hour talks ended without agreement, with IALPA accusing Aer Lingus of not reciprocating their compromise on the 24% demand. The Labour Court’s fresh invitation on Friday averted an escalation in the industrial action.