In a significant blow to air travel in the North West, Irish carrier Aer Lingus has confirmed it will shut down its entire operation at Manchester Airport.
Base Closure and Job Losses
The decision to close the Aer Lingus base at Manchester Airport puts approximately 200 jobs at immediate risk. The airline has stated it has entered a formal consultation process with unions and has already met with affected staff to break the news.
The base, which was only launched for long-haul services in 2021, currently operates routes to popular destinations including New York, Barbados, and Florida. It also handles shorter flights to Dublin and Belfast.
Profitability Issues Force Drastic Action
The primary reason cited for the shutdown is persistent underperformance. Aer Lingus revealed that the Manchester long-haul operating margin continues to significantly lag behind the profitability of its equivalent long-haul operations from its home base in Ireland.
This profitability gap has forced the airline's management to question the long-term viability of maintaining a presence at Manchester Airport. A company statement acknowledged the 'uncertain and difficult time' for its Manchester-based colleagues.
Impact on Travellers and Routes
For passengers, the base closure means the complete withdrawal of Aer Lingus services from Manchester. This includes the popular direct service to Disney World in Orlando, a key route for family holidays.
The airline has committed to working closely with staff and their representatives throughout the consultation process, exploring all options, though it has explicitly stated that a full base closure is a likely outcome.
