Aer Lingus: Airline proposes to cut 500 jobs under cost cutting plan

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.”