Overview
- Aer Lingus has opened a formal collective consultation on the future of its Manchester base, with options up to full closure and no timeline announced.
- Unite says the airline has issued a redundancy notice placing more than 200 roles at risk, including around 150 cabin crew, and it is prepared to pause further strikes to allow talks.
- The union has filed a Section 188 information request and says the company has not provided Manchester‑specific financials, modelling, timelines or role breakdowns needed for meaningful consultation.
- The carrier says the base’s long‑haul margin continues to significantly trail its Irish operation; Manchester launched in 2021 with services to New York JFK, Orlando and Barbados, plus short‑haul links to Dublin and Belfast.
- Reporting indicates aircraft would likely be redeployed to more profitable routes through Dublin if the base closes, reducing direct long‑haul options from northern England.