Aer Lingus to Cut 15-20 Manager Jobs After €103 Million Q1 Loss

Aer Lingus plans to lay off 15 to 20 senior and general managers through voluntary redundancy to achieve savings after reporting a €103 million loss in the first three months of this year. The Irish carrier informed pilots this week about potential flight cuts next winter and summer following a cost review.

The airline aims to boost operating margins to 12-15 per cent, a target set by its owner, International Airlines Group (IAG). Aer Lingus is actively reviewing its cost base and schedule beyond summer due to potentially higher fuel costs and global uncertainty. The company attributed its Q1 loss, which was €48 million more than the €55 million shortfall in Q1 2025, to the closure of its Manchester base and a tougher economic environment.

Concerns exist among other worker groups about further job cuts if the Middle East crisis continues to impact fuel costs. While Aer Lingus and IAG have hedged much of their fuel needs for this year, sustained high oil prices could lead to job cuts in autumn. Pay deals with pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff expire this year, with new talks expected in autumn and early 2027. Cabin and ground crew are also due a 1 per cent pay increase in July.