The airline confirmed that from Wednesday (June 26) to Sunday (June 30) next week, it will cancel at least 244 flights.
Irish airline Aer Lingus confirmed on Sunday that it will cancel at least 244 flights from Wednesday (June 26) to Sunday (June 30) next week due to a pilot strike.
On Saturday (June 29) alone, 120 flights will be canceled due to an eight-hour pilot strike, affecting 15,000 passengers. The number of canceled flights may increase further. The airline expressed shock at the pilots’ decision to strike.
Aer Lingus initially announced on Thursday (June 20) that it would need to cancel 10 to 20% of flights in the first five days, as members of the Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) disagree with the proposed pay increase. The union estimates that up to 20% of flights could be canceled, raising serious concerns about the airline’s management and highlighting a shortage of pilots.
In a statement, Aer Lingus said it had “repeatedly tried to work with IALPA on ways to increase pilot pay beyond the 12.25% increase agreed with all other groups in collective bargaining.” According to the airline, IALPA refused to engage in these discussions and ended direct talks with the company on Monday, June 17. IALPA also rejected their request to cooperate with the labor court.
