Aer Lingus proposes cutting 500 jobs under savings plan

The Irish airline Aer Lingus has proposed cutting up to 500 jobs under a new cost-cutting plan.

Under the plan, 290 roles in its head office, along with 140 cabin roles and 70 pilot positions are at threat. The airline currently employs about 6,000 people.

It also said that a planned 6% reduction in its flight capacity would come into effect by removing "poor performing routes".

The airline cited multiple reasons for the proposed cuts including the continued challenging macro-economic environment, increased transatlantic competition, fuel costs and first quarter 2026 losses of €103m (£87m).

'Changes are essential'

Any customers that will be impacted by network changes will be "contacted directly and provided with re-accommodation or refund options," the airline said in a statement.

Aer Lingus said changes will begin to take effect from late September 2026, continuing into summer 2027.

It added the "changes are essential to support required improvement in its operating margin, which is needed to underpin future investment.

"The more cost efficient and productive the airline is, the more it will be able to fulfil its network and growth ambition," a spokesperson said in a statement.

"The consultation and engagement process will focus on reducing redundancies and potential future redundancies and on what needs to be done to secure future investment in the business."

The airline said it aims to achieve a 12%-15% operating margin in order to attract investment.

Its chief executive, Lynne Embleton said the "transformation aims to set Aer Lingus up for the future.

She added that the changes will allow Aer Lingus to "fulfil its ambition to be the airline of choice connecting Europe with North America", as well as providing a "significant economic contribution to Ireland."