Trade unions have called for urgent engagement with Aer Lingus after it announced plans to cut up to 500 jobs as part of a major cost-saving programme.
The proposed reductions include 290 head office roles, 140 cabin crew positions and 70 pilot jobs.
The Irish airline said the cuts are linked to a planned 6% reduction in flight capacity, which will see several long-haul and short-haul routes withdrawn or reduced from late September.
The airline said it aims to achieve a sustainable operating margin of between 12% and 15%, citing increased competition across the transatlantic market, higher fuel costs, a challenging macroeconomic environment and first-quarter 2026 losses of €103 million.
They said in their announcement today that 'changes are essential.'
Following the announcement, trade union Fórsa said it came as 'a profound shock' to workers across the airline and their families, adding that the immediate priority is to work with the company and fellow unions to minimise the need for compulsory redundancies.
Fórsa national secretary Hazel Nolan said:
“Today’s news will be very difficult for Aer Lingus workers and their families, many of whom will be worried about what this means for their livelihoods. Our focus now is on supporting members through this uncertainty and ensuring their interests are fully protected throughout the process.”
The union acknowledged the aviation industry is facing challenging conditions, but insisted that compulsory redundancies should only be considered after every alternative has been exhausted.
Fórsa confirmed it will take part in the collective consultation process, which is expected to begin shortly.
“Consultation must be genuine and solution-focused. Workers and their representatives need full transparency from the company, and sufficient time and scope to examine all viable alternatives to job losses.”
The union also stresses the importance of protecting the airline’s long-term future while retaining its experienced workforce.
“Aer Lingus has a highly skilled and experienced workforce which has been central to its success. Any restructuring must recognise that reality and avoid measures that would weaken the airline’s capacity into the future.”
Aer Lingus engineer Niamh Rispin. Credit: Aer Lingus
Trade union SIPTU has also expressed 'deep concern and surprise' following the announcement, saying members had not been informed that workforce reductions on such a scale were being considered.
SIPTU organiser Terry Gill said:
“This morning’s announcement has come as a complete surprise to our members and has understandably caused massive concern and uncertainty.”
“While we were aware that Aer Lingus had undertaken headcount reductions of around 20% within senior and middle management structures in recent months, we had not been advised of, nor did we anticipate, a wider workforce reduction of this magnitude.”
He said the full impact of the proposals remained unclear and needed to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
SIPTU Aviation Sector organiser Niall Phillips said the union has requested an immediate meeting with senior management to seek clarification on the reasons behind the proposed cuts and which grades and departments will be affected.
“Our immediate and absolute priority is to seek urgent clarification from Aer Lingus management regarding the rationale for these proposals, the specific grades and departments affected, and the process by which the company intends to proceed,”
“We are requesting an urgent and immediate meeting with senior management. SIPTU will ensure that the interests of our members are fully protected and that any proposed changes are the subject of meaningful, robust consultation and engagement.”
An Tánaiste, Simon Harris
In the Dáil today, An Tánaiste Simon Harris said the Government is aware of the announcement and will engage with Aer Lingus on this manner:
"The Government is aware of the recent announcement by Aer Lingus, that they are to undertake some organisational changes as a result of, from what they have described, a sustained challenging operational environment."
"They have stated they will begin consultation with employees and their representatives, which I think is really important and is really urgent, but they have said they expect the impact could potentially see over 500 employees leave the company."
Announcing the restructuring plans earlier today, Aer Lingus said the changes are necessary to improve profitability and secure future investment from parent company IAG.
Aer Lingus currently employs around 6,000 people and said it will consult with employees and unions throughout the process, with discussions focusing on reducing redundancies where possible and securing the airline’s long-term future.
