Holidaymakers and business travellers face transatlantic travel chaos as Aer Lingus cabin crew based at Manchester Airport have begun indefinite strike action, grounding key services to New York.
The industrial action, which commenced on Sunday, has already forced the cancellation of the airline's Manchester to New York JFK route, leaving passengers scrambling for alternative arrangements. The dispute centres on ongoing disagreements over pay and working conditions for the Manchester-based crew members.
Indefinite Grounding of Key Transatlantic Route
An Aer Lingus spokesperson confirmed the significant disruption, stating: "We can confirm that our Manchester-based cabin crew are commencing industrial action from Sunday, 5 May. As a result, we have no option but to cancel our Manchester to New York JFK service.
The airline has advised affected customers to monitor their website for updates, though no resolution appears imminent as both sides remain at odds over the core issues driving the walkout.
Passenger Frustration Mounts
Travellers booked on the affected flights have expressed frustration at the last-minute cancellations, with many facing complicated rebooking procedures and potential additional costs for alternative travel arrangements.
The strike action represents another blow to Manchester Airport's transatlantic connectivity, coming during a period when many travellers are planning summer trips across the Atlantic.
No timeline has been provided for when services might resume, with the indefinite nature of the strike suggesting a potentially protracted dispute between the airline and its Manchester-based staff.
