AER Lingus will cancel dozens of flights next week as its pilots stage industrial action amid a row over pay. Irish holidaymakers have been left "very worried" over fears they may face delays, cancellations or financial penalties ahead of their flights this summer. And the number of cancellations look set to increase if the indefinite work-to-rule, which will be started by pilots on Wednesday, continues.
Holidaymakers, who are preparing to jet off in the coming weeks, will not be impacted until the strike begins shortly after midnight on June 26. During the summer, Aer Lingus operate around 1,550 flights each week. The major airline is now scrambling to source additional seat capacity in an effort to accommodate passengers who will be hit by the action.
It is now attempting to hire aircraft on so-called wet leases, where the aircraft are rented with crew on a short term basis. However, the airline is unlikely to know until early next week what type of capacity it can secure. Due to regulatory issues, Aer Lingus aircraft cannot be flown by non-Aer Lingus pilots.
With the busy summer season well underway and most airlines close to fully booked, fears are growing that Aer Lingus may only be able to accommodate a low number of passengers affected by the strikes. People have been warned that it's likely around 95 per cent of passengers on any strike day will not be able to travel. Aer Lingus Regional flights will not be affected by the industrial action.
They are operated by Emera.
