The airline confirmed it would no longer be operating long-haul flights from the site, sparking travel chaos
A major airline has confirmed it will no longer operate transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport.
The airport issued a statement after Aer Lingus confirmed the move, set to come into force in just weeks. Flights from Manchester to New York JFK will no longer be operating from February 23, as well as flight from Manchester to Orlando and Barbados from March 31. The Irish airline says a replacement service will run for journeys between Dublin and Barbados.
The announcement comes after speculation about the move in previous weeks. Travellers impacted by cancellations have already been contacted and offered the option to be given a refund, or to rebook.
Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional services between Ireland and Manchester will not be affected. “We understand that this is disappointing news and apologise for the disruption to our customers,” a spokesperson for Aer Lingus said.
The airline added that meetings had been held with staff to discuss the terms of a severance package at the Manchester base.
“Manchester-New York operations will cease from 23rd February 2026 and Aer Lingus plans to operate a service from Dublin to Barbados (subject to receipt of necessary approvals) during the months of April and May to reaccommodate affected customers,” a spokesperson said.
“There is no impact to Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines) flights between Manchester and Ireland. Customers are being informed directly of the cancellation of flights and provided with reaccommodation and refund options.
“Aer Lingus will continue to engage with staff representative groups to discuss the phased reduction in operations, redeployment opportunities and the terms of a severance package at the Manchester Base.
“Aer Lingus acknowledges that this is a very difficult time for colleagues based in Manchester and will seek to ensure that colleagues are kept informed and supported as discussions evolve during the next phase of the consultation.”
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