Aer Lingus Considers Shutting Manchester Base, 200 Jobs at Risk

Aer Lingus is reviewing the future of its Manchester Airport base in a move that threatens approximately 200 jobs and could end all long-haul services from the UK hub. The Irish carrier launched the Manchester operation in 2021 to capture North England demand for transatlantic leisure travel, currently operating routes to New York JFK, Barbados, and Orlando, along with short-haul Dublin and Belfast services. However, the airline has acknowledged the base has underperformed, with operating margins significantly lagging behind its Irish long-haul operations. A formal consultation process with staff and unions is now underway to assess all options, including complete base closure. If shutdown proceeds, aircraft would likely be redeployed to more profitable routes through Dublin. The potential closure comes just four years after the base opened, representing a significant retreat from the UK market for the IAG-owned carrier.