Aer Lingus has confirmed that it will wind down its entire long-haul operation at Manchester Airport, closing the base it opened in 2021 and redirecting the capacity to its Dublin hub. Beginning 23 February 2026, the daily service to New York-JFK will cease, followed by Orlando and Barbados on 31 March. The airline will operate a short series of Dublin–Barbados flights in April and May (subject to bilateral approvals) to honour holiday bookings, but otherwise passengers are being offered full refunds or free re-routing via Dublin.
Management said the closure follows an 18-month review that showed the UK out-station’s operating margin lagged its Ireland-based wide-body fleet by “double-digit percentage points”. Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton cited higher crewing costs and weaker onward feed at Manchester as drivers of the under-performance. By consolidating A330 and A321LR aircraft in Dublin, the carrier expects to improve aircraft utilisation and grow connecting traffic on its “Dublin Hub” model, which offers US Customs pre-clearance and links to 30 European cities.
The decision affects about 200 employees—130 cabin crew and 70 ground staff—who have been offered redeployment to Ireland or voluntary severance. Unite the Union called the move “economic vandalism” and warned of industrial action; Aer Lingus says it remains in a 30-day consultation under UK redundancy law. The shutdown also raises questions for Manchester’s long-haul strategy, as the airport had used Aer Lingus to bolster its North-American offering following Thomas Cook’s collapse in 2019.
![Aer Lingus to end all Manchester long-haul routes, shifting traffic via Dublin]()
For Irish corporates, the shift means fewer direct options for staff based in Northern England but potentially more transatlantic frequencies from Dublin. Travel managers should review corporate booking tools to ensure itineraries after 1 April automatically re-route via Dublin or Heathrow, and advise travellers that immigration pre-clearance will now occur in Dublin. HR teams relocating staff should note that Aer Lingus will maintain its short-haul Manchester–Dublin service, preserving access to Ireland for weekend commuters.
For travellers suddenly rerouted through Ireland, checking visa or transit requirements will now be an extra step. VisaHQ can simplify the process, letting passengers and travel departments verify whether an Irish transit visa, ESTA or other documentation is required and complete the paperwork online. Its dedicated Ireland page (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) offers real-time guidance, corporate dashboards and courier options, ensuring compliant travel even as routes change.
In the medium term, analysts expect the released aircraft to backstop Aer Lingus’s planned launch of Dublin–Raleigh-Durham and additional Boston frequencies. If demand continues to outpace supply in Dublin, the airline may accelerate wide-body deliveries scheduled for 2027-28, further cementing Ireland’s position as the carrier’s sole long-haul base.
Management said the closure follows an 18-month review that showed the UK out-station’s operating margin lagged its Ireland-based wide-body fleet by “double-digit percentage points”. Aer Lingus chief executive Lynne Embleton cited higher crewing costs and weaker onward feed at Manchester as drivers of the under-performance. By consolidating A330 and A321LR aircraft in Dublin, the carrier expects to improve aircraft utilisation and grow connecting traffic on its “Dublin Hub” model, which offers US Customs pre-clearance and links to 30 European cities.
The decision affects about 200 employees—130 cabin crew and 70 ground staff—who have been offered redeployment to Ireland or voluntary severance. Unite the Union called the move “economic vandalism” and warned of industrial action; Aer Lingus says it remains in a 30-day consultation under UK redundancy law. The shutdown also raises questions for Manchester’s long-haul strategy, as the airport had used Aer Lingus to bolster its North-American offering following Thomas Cook’s collapse in 2019.
For Irish corporates, the shift means fewer direct options for staff based in Northern England but potentially more transatlantic frequencies from Dublin. Travel managers should review corporate booking tools to ensure itineraries after 1 April automatically re-route via Dublin or Heathrow, and advise travellers that immigration pre-clearance will now occur in Dublin. HR teams relocating staff should note that Aer Lingus will maintain its short-haul Manchester–Dublin service, preserving access to Ireland for weekend commuters.
For travellers suddenly rerouted through Ireland, checking visa or transit requirements will now be an extra step. VisaHQ can simplify the process, letting passengers and travel departments verify whether an Irish transit visa, ESTA or other documentation is required and complete the paperwork online. Its dedicated Ireland page (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) offers real-time guidance, corporate dashboards and courier options, ensuring compliant travel even as routes change.
In the medium term, analysts expect the released aircraft to backstop Aer Lingus’s planned launch of Dublin–Raleigh-Durham and additional Boston frequencies. If demand continues to outpace supply in Dublin, the airline may accelerate wide-body deliveries scheduled for 2027-28, further cementing Ireland’s position as the carrier’s sole long-haul base.
