The airline this week confirmed it was weighing up the "long-term viability" of its Manchester operation. Options, it said, include "the possibility of a base closure".

Aer Lingus met with staff this week to brief them on the base's performance and confirmed it will enter into collective consultation with their representatives.

"Despite all of the work and best efforts of the team, the Manchester long-haul operating margin performance continues to significantly lag behind that of Aer Lingus’s Irish long-haul operating margin," said the airline in a statement. "This situation has prompted a necessary consideration of the long-term viability of the Manchester base."

It continued: "Colleagues at the Manchester base were advised Aer Lingus will now enter into a collective consultation process with their representatives. This process will explore all the options in respect of the base, however, staff were also advised that it will also include the possibility of a base closure.

"We acknowledge and fully appreciate that this is an uncertain and difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and we will work closely with the management team and the staff in Manchester over the coming weeks, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and supported."