Aer Lingus Considers Flight Cuts for Winter 2026/27 and Summer 2027 Amid €103M Loss
Aer Lingus is reviewing potential flight reductions for winter 2026/27 and summer 2027 to cut costs and boost returns for IAG, after reporting a €103 million loss in Q1. The airline aims to improve efficiency and meet IAG's 12-15% return on capital target.
Aer Lingus is considering reducing flights for winter 2026 into 2027 and summer 2027 to cut costs and improve returns for its owner, International Airlines Group (IAG). This follows a nearly doubled loss of €103 million in the first three months of this year.
Capt. Evan Cullen, Aer Lingus director of flight operations, informed pilots that the winter 2026/2027 schedule may fall below that of winter 2025/2026, and the summer 2027 schedule is not expected to match 2026. The airline expanded routes last winter and this summer, including new flights from Dublin to Pittsburgh and Raleigh-Durham.
The recent losses were primarily due to factors other than the Middle East crisis, which has doubled jet fuel prices. Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton stated the review is comprehensive, including suppliers and operations, and will involve talks with unions. IAG aims for a 12-15% return on capital invested in its airlines, a target Aer Lingus failed to meet last year and is unlikely to meet in 2026.