Aer Lingus confirms cull of Manchester transatlantic services

Aer Lingus has confirmed its decision to cease transatlantic operations from Manchester Airport from March 31. 

In a statement, a spokesperson said Manchester-New York flights will stop from February 23.

There are plans to operate a Dublin to Barbados service in April and May to "reaccommodate affected customers".

Affected customers will be informed of their flight cancellations directly and provided with new accommodation and refund options. 

The airline stopped selling transatlantic flights for departures after March 31 in early January, leading to union threats of strike action and agents to express disappointment at the move. 

This withdrawal follows a consultation late last year about the future of the airline’s operations from the airport, which could affect 200 employees and has faced industrial action from the Unite union over proposals to close the base.

An Aer Lingus spokesperson said in a statement: "A decision has been taken to cease Aer Lingus’ Manchester transatlantic operations as of and from 31st March 2026.

"Manchester–New York operations will cease from February 23, 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.

"We do not expect there to be any impact to operations before these dates.

"There is no impact to Aer Lingus or Aer Lingus Regional (Emerald Airlines) flights between Manchester and Ireland.

"We understand that this is disappointing news and apologise for the disruption to our customers.

"All impacted customers are being informed of the cancellation of flights directly and provided with reaccommodation and refund options.

"We appreciate our customers’ patience and cooperation during this time, as we contact customers directly regarding their flights.

"If you have already contacted us to request an alternative flight or refund, please be assured that we are working on your request and will be in touch in due course."