Aer Lingus warns it may close Manchester base

"In a note to Aer Lingus staff seen by the Irish Independent, the airline said that its executive team held a briefing with staff at Manchester today. In the note, the airline confirmed the poor margin performance. 'This makes it difficult to justify further investment in the Manchester base and raises the question as to whether there are potentially better alternative uses of the two aircraft that are in the Manchester base,' it told staff."

"Aer Lingus staff at the Manchester base have been advised that the airline will now enter a collective consultation process with their union representatives. 'This process will explore all the options in respect of the base, however, staff were also advised that it will also include the possibility of a base closure,' it warned. 'We acknowledge and fully appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and we will work closely with the management team and the staff in Manchester over the coming weeks, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and supported,' the note adds."

Aer Lingus reports that long‑haul operating margins from Manchester significantly lag those from Ireland. The airline operates direct services from Manchester to Caribbean destinations and New York. Poor margin performance makes further investment in the Manchester base difficult and prompts consideration of alternative uses for the two aircraft based there. The executive team briefed Manchester staff and confirmed a collective consultation process with unions, which may include the possibility of base closure. Approximately 200 staff would be affected by a closure. The airline stated that affected staff will be kept informed and supported during the coming weeks.

Read at Irish Independent