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Aer Lingus to cut up to 500 jobs and reduce 'lower margin flying' to save costs

Airlines
James Chapple
21 July 2026

Aer Lingus has set out plans to trim its network and cut up to 500 jobs in a bid to save costs.

An Aer Lingus aircraft comes in to land at Heathrow airport
iStock / stockcam

Aer Lingus is looking to cut costs to achieve a 12-15% operating margin

The IAG-owner carrier will reduce flight operations by around 6% by removing "lower margin flying" and stripping out "poor performing routes".

It is also aiming to cut head office employee costs by a quarter. Its stated aim is to "achieve and sustain" a 12-15% operating margin.

Network changes will begin in late September and continue into summer 2027, affecting both long- and short-haul flying.

As a result, two A330 aircraft and four A320 aircraft will be taken out of service next summer. Four routes will be cut entirely, and another four moved to summer-only operation.