Aer Lingus pilots have indicated a willingness to resume talks in an effort to head off peak summer industrial action in a pay dispute.
The Irish Airline Pilots Association (Ialpa) had warned that a planned work to rule between June 26-July 2 would include a strike on Saturday, June 29, between 5am and 1pm.
The airline, which has already cancelled up to 20% of flights across the five days, warned that this will cause “major disruption to both our customers and our flight schedules”.
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However, the union posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Sunday: “Ialpa confirms that Aer Lingus requested to resume direct negotiations this morning.
“Ialpa has indicated that the association is willing to return to negotiations to try and find resolution to the current dispute.”
Aer Lingus issued a list of cancelled flights from the UK and other parts of Europe, with the greater number affected on June 29, including 12 flights from Heathrow to airports in Ireland.
A total of 43 flights from across Europe mainly into Dublin have also been cancelled on that day.
Other flights affected include selected departures from Birmingham and Manchester to Dublin over the five days.
“We fully understand the anxiety being experienced by customers given the uncertainty this has caused,” the airline said.
“We are providing all customers with bookings within these dates the option to change flights, or request refunds or vouchers.
“We are also adding additional resources to help minimise any disruption.”
“All Aer Lingus Regional flights (operated by Emerald Airlines) and Aer Lingus UK transatlantic flights to and from Manchester will operate as scheduled.”
The Irish Travel Agents Association once again called for all parties to resume negotiations and come to a swift resolution for consumers.
President Angela Walsh said: “The Itaa is urging Aer Lingus and unions to reach a resolution.
“Industrial action over the summer months causes serious impact for both holidaymakers and corporate travellers, which we have seen with the cancellation of flights in advance of the indefinite period of work-to-rule.
“The consumer is ultimately at the heart of this. We are in the busiest travel period of the year, with seriously damaging effects on both inbound and outbound tourism, the leisure holiday market, business travel and for family members flying to see their loved ones.
“We are urging the airline and the pilots to put the consumer first in an effort to avoid such disruption to travel plans.”