Nats, the air-traffic control firm in charge, has implemented temporary flight restrictions to ensure safety amidst these staffing shortfalls. The consequences of these limitations are far-reaching, with an estimated 15,000 passengers facing significant alterations to their travel schedules on what is traditionally one of the busiest days of the summer travel season.

EasyJet, a major carrier at Gatwick, has seen at least 64 of its flights both arriving and departing from the Sussex hub grounded, echoing disruptions from the previous year and as recent as June 2024. A spokesperson from Nats has issued an apology for the disruption but has not provided a clear timeline for when normal operations might resume.

The ripple effects of the staffing issue are compounded by adverse weather conditions across Europe, which have further tightened the restrictions on flight operations. “We are extremely disappointed that customers are once again affected by circumstances beyond our control. We apologize for the inconvenience and are working diligently to minimize the impact,” stated a representative from Nats.

Passengers like a Brit planning to travel from Nantes to London Gatwick expressed their frustration as they incurred additional costs and potential lost wages due to the disruptions. “It’s an absolute nightmare. I’m now out of pocket by over £240, and the lack of a direct contact number for EasyJet only adds to the frustration,” the passenger shared.

In response to the chaos, EasyJet has informed affected passengers of their options to rebook or receive refunds. The airline is also arranging for accommodations and meals where necessary. Similarly, British Airways and Vueling have canceled several flights, and Wizz Air has also axed routes to Vienna and Venice, underscoring the widespread impact of the air-traffic control shortage.

A Gatwick spokesperson emphasized that the safety-driven restrictions, exacerbated by unexpected staff absences and poor weather, are regrettable but necessary. “We urge affected passengers to contact their respective airlines for the most current information,” they advised.

Aer Lingus has announced the cancellation of numerous flights due to the ongoing industrial action by its pilots. This disruption affects both departing and arriving flights at various airports in Ireland, causing significant inconvenience for passengers. Customers with cancelled flights up to and including July 10 have three options: changing their flight online with waived change fees, requesting a refund voucher for future travel, or applying for a full refund of their flight.

Cancelled Flights from Ireland:

Wednesday, July 3:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Amsterdam (AMS), EI0602, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Dusseldorf (DUS), EI0698, 5.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA), EI0656, 4.45pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Munich (MUC), EI0352, 7.10am.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0526, 1pm.

Thursday, July 4:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Geneva (GVA), EI0680, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0528, 6.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Vienna (VIE), EI0660, 6.10am.

Friday, July 5:

• Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0724, 8.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Amsterdam (AMS), EI0602, 6.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Berlin (BER), EI0332, 6.40am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Birmingham (BHX), EI0276, 7.20pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Brussels (BRU), EI0638, 5.55pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Dusseldorf (DUS), EI0698, 5.30pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Frankfurt (FRA), EI0656, 4.45pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0162, 11.15am.
• Dublin (DUB) to London/Heathrow (LHR), EI0182, 7pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Manchester (MAN), EI0208, 12.50pm.
• Dublin (DUB) to Munich (MUC), EI0352, 7.10am.
• Dublin (DUB) to New York (JFK), EI0105, 11.05am.
• Dublin (DUB) to Paris (CDG), EI0526, 1pm.

Cancelled Flights to Ireland:

Wednesday, July 3:

• Birmingham (BHX) to Dublin (DUB), EI0277, 8.50pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Cork (ORK), EI0725, 10.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0163, 1.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0183, 9.10pm.
• Manchester (MAN) to Dublin (DUB), EI0209, 2.25pm.
• Amsterdam (AMS) to Dublin (DUB), EI0603, 9.35am.
• Berlin (BER) to Dublin (DUB), EI0333, 10.40am.
• Brussels (BRU) to Dublin (DUB), EI0639, 9.20pm.
• Dusseldorf (DUS) to Dublin (DUB), EI0699, 9.05pm.
• Frankfurt (FRA) to Dublin (DUB), EI0657, 8.40pm.
• Munich (MUC) to Dublin (DUB), EI0353, 11.25am.
• Paris (CDG) to Dublin (DUB), EI0527, 4.30pm.
• New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB), EI0104, 4.55pm.

Thursday, July 4:

• Birmingham (BHX) to Dublin (DUB), EI0277, 8.50pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Cork (ORK), EI0725, 10.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0163, 1.25pm.
• London/Heathrow (LHR) to Dublin (DUB), EI0183, 9.10pm.
• Manchester (MAN) to Dublin (DUB), EI0209, 2.25pm.
• Berlin (BER) to Dublin (DUB), EI0333, 10.40am.
• Brussels (BRU) to Dublin (DUB), EI0639, 9.25pm.
• Geneva (GVA) to Dublin (DUB), EI0681, 10.15am.
• Paris (CDG) to Dublin (DUB), EI0529, 9.50pm.
• Vienna (VIE) to Dublin (DUB), EI0661, 10.40am.
• New York (JFK) to Dublin (DUB), EI0104, 4.55pm.

The full list of cancellations continues for the subsequent days up to July 10, covering multiple European and North American routes.

As the situation evolves, more Aer Lingus flight cancellations may occur. Here is the list of flights cancelled as of today, Saturday, June 22:

Aer Lingus Releases List of Flight Cancellations Due to Pilots’ Strike

Wednesday, June 26

• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 at 20:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0602 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Berlin/Brandenburg (BER), Germany – EI0332 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Birmingham (BHX) – EI0276 at 19:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Brussels (BRU), Belgium – EI0638 at 17:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Dusseldorf (DUS), Germany – EI0698 at 17:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Frankfurt (FRA), Germany – EI0656 at 16:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0166 at 13:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0182 at 19:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Manchester (MAN) – EI0208 at 12:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Munich (MUC), Germany – EI0356 at 16:25
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to New York (JFK), USA – EI0105 at 11:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0526 at 13:00

Thursday, June 27

• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 at 20:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0608 at 13:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Berlin/Brandenburg (BER), Germany – EI0332 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Birmingham (BHX) – EI0276 at 19:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Brussels (BRU), Belgium – EI0638 at 17:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Geneva (GVA), Switzerland – EI0680 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0164 at 12:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0182 at 19:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Manchester (MAN) – EI0208 at 12:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to New York (JFK), USA – EI0105 at 11:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0528 at 18:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Rome/DaVinci (FCO), Italy – EI0404 at 10:25
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Vienna (VIE), Austria – EI0660 at 06:10

Friday, June 28

• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 at 20:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0602 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Berlin/Brandenburg (BER), Germany – EI0332 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to New York (JFK), USA – EI0105 at 11:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0164 at 12:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Manchester (MAN) – EI0208 at 12:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0526 at 13:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Munich (MUC), Germany – EI0356 at 16:25
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Frankfurt (FRA), Germany – EI0656 at 16:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Dusseldorf (DUS), Germany – EI0698 at 17:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Brussels (BRU), Belgium – EI0638 at 17:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0182 at 19:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Birmingham (BHX) – EI0276 at 19:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Rome (FCO) – EI0406 at 15:45

Saturday, June 29

• Cork (ORK), Ireland to Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia – EI0804 at 05:45
• Cork (ORK), Ireland to Lanzarote (ACE), Spain – EI0876 at 06:40
• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0710 at 07:20
• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0712 at 11:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Athens (ATH), Greece – EI0440 at 05:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Bordeaux (BOD), France – EI0506 at 06:10
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Geneva (GVA), Switzerland – EI0680 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Naples (NAP), Italy – EI0450 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0602 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Madrid (MAD), Spain – EI0592 at 06:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Rome/DaVinci (FCO), Italy – EI0402 at 06:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Birmingham (BHX) – EI0262 at 06:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Manchester (MAN) – EI0202 at 06:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0152 at 06:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Berlin/Brandenburg (BER), Germany – EI0332 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0520 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Barcelona (BCN), Spain – EI0562 at 06:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Brussels (BRU), Belgium – EI0630 at 06:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Dusseldorf (DUS), Germany – EI0692 at 06:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Frankfurt (FRA), Germany – EI0650 at 07:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Tenerife (TFS), Spain – EI0762 at 07:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Zurich (ZRH), Switzerland – EI0342 at 07:10
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Munich (MUC), Germany – EI0352 at 07:10
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Lanzarote (ACE), Spain – EI0776 at 07:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Malaga (AGP), Spain – EI0580 at 07:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0154 at 07:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Dubrovnik (DBV), Croatia – EI0476 at 07:35
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Faro Algarve (FAO), Portugal – EI0492 at 07:35
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Lyon (LYS), France – EI0550 at 07:35
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Venice (VCE), Italy – EI0422 at 07:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Lisbon (LIS), Portugal – EI0482 at 07:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0522 at 07:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0156 at 08:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0158 at 09:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0524 at 09:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0604 at 09:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Hamburg (HAM), Germany – EI0392 at 10:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Rome/DaVinci (FCO), Italy – EI0404 at 10:25
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Nice (NCE), France – EI0544 at 11:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to New York (JFK), USA – EI0105 at 11:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0162 at 11:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Verona (VRN), Italy – EI0412 at 11:35
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Malaga (AGP), Spain – EI0584 at 11:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Faro Algarve (FAO), Portugal – EI0494 at 11:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0164 at 12:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Nantes (NTE), France – EI0538 at 12:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Marseille (MRS), France – EI0514 at 12:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Lyon (LYS), France – EI0552 at 12:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Bilbao (BIO), Spain – EI0748 at 13:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0526 at 13:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Geneva (GVA), Switzerland – EI0684 at 13:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0166 at 13:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands – EI0610 at 18:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0528 at 18:20
• Knock-Irl West (NOC), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0916 at 13:05
• Shannon (SNN), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0380 at 07:40
• Shannon (SNN), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0386 at 17:30

Sunday, June 30

• Cork (ORK), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 at 20:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Berlin/Brandenburg (BER), Germany – EI0332 at 06:40
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Birmingham (BHX) – EI0276 at 19:20
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Brussels (BRU), Belgium – EI0638 at 17:55
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Dusseldorf (DUS), Germany – EI0698 at 17:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Frankfurt (FRA), Germany – EI0656 at 16:45
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0168 at 14:30
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0182 at 19:00
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Lyon (LYS), France – EI0550 at 06:15
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Manchester (MAN) – EI0208 at 12:50
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Munich (MUC), Germany – EI0356 at 16:25
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to New York (JFK), USA – EI0105 at 11:05
• Dublin (DUB), Ireland to Paris (CDG), France – EI0526 at 13:00

Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus, stated that the industrial action “gets worse day by day,” increasing the risk of further cancellations. He assured that impacted passengers would be contacted and provided with options for refunds, re-accommodation, or vouchers.

The Aer Lingus pilots are demanding a 24% pay increase, arguing it matches the inflation rate since their last pay rise in 2019.

Aer Lingus has announced significant disruptions due to an ongoing pilot strike, resulting in numerous flight cancellations out of Cork Airport. The airline has released a list of 124 affected flights, with several scheduled departures from Cork among them.

Aer Lingus has confirmed that between June 26 and June 30, 10-20% of their flights will be canceled due to the strike action over a pay dispute with their pilots. However, Aer Lingus Regional flights to Bristol will remain unaffected by the industrial action.

As of today, Saturday, June 22, the following Cork flights have been canceled:

Cork Flight Cancellations Due to Aer Lingus Pilot Strike :

• Wednesday, June 26: Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 – 20:30
• Thursday, June 27: Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 – 20:30
• Friday, June 28: Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 – 20:30
• Sunday, June 30: Cork (ORK) to London/Heathrow (LHR) – EI0724 – 20:30

Donal Moriarty, Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Aer Lingus, emphasized that the situation could worsen, potentially leading to further cancellations. He stated on RTE Radio, “What will happen over the next couple of days is that impacted passengers will be contacted and advised of cancellations if it affects them and then given their options in terms of refund, re-accommodation, or voucher.”

The Aer Lingus pilot strike stems from a demand for a 24% pay increase, which pilots argue is necessary to keep pace with inflation since their last raise in 2019.

Passengers affected by the Aer Lingus pilot strike are urged to stay informed on the latest updates and check their flight status regularly. The airline is working to notify impacted travellers and provide alternative solutions as the strike continues.

Stay tuned to Local Europe News for further updates on the Aer Lingus pilot strike and its impact on travel from Cork Airport.

Cancellations are expected to affect around 8,000 passengers daily from next Wednesday to Sunday, with between 22 and 40 flights per day impacted.

Aer Lingus has confirmed that a significant number of its flights will be cancelled next week, disrupting tens of thousands of customers. The cancellations are due to an ongoing pay dispute between the airline and its pilots.

Why Are Aer Lingus Flights Being Cancelled?

The core issue is a pay dispute. Aer Lingus pilots are demanding a 23.8% pay increase over three years to match the salaries of British Airways pilots, also part of the International Airlines Group (IAG). The pilots have rejected a Labour Court recommendation for a 9.25% pay increase.

When Will the Flight Cancellations Happen?

Due to the pilots’ work-to-rule action, Aer Lingus will cancel between 10% and 20% of its flights from Wednesday, June 26, to Sunday, June 30. This industrial action means pilots will not work overtime or out-of-hours duties, severely affecting the flight schedule.

How Many Passengers Will Be Affected?

During the busy summer months, Aer Lingus carries over 40,000 passengers daily. As a result, up to 8,000 passengers will be affected each day from Wednesday to Sunday, with 22 to 40 flights cancelled per day.

How Will I Know If My Flight Is Cancelled?

Aer Lingus will contact affected customers directly over the next few days. Passengers will receive updates and instructions via email or phone.

What Are My Alternative Options?

Aer Lingus is offering several options for affected passengers. Those scheduled to travel between June 26 and July 2 can change their flights for free. Alternatively, passengers can cancel their flights and claim a refund or a voucher. These options will be communicated directly to customers and travel agents. Passengers who booked through third parties should contact their sales agents for updates.

What Has Aer Lingus Said About the Dispute?

Aer Lingus has criticized the industrial action, calling it “wholly unnecessary” and aimed at causing maximum disruption during the peak summer season. The airline assures that its focus is on minimizing the impact on customers and communicating directly with those affected. They plan to rebook customers quickly, working with partner airlines and hiring additional aircraft if necessary.

What Is IALPA’s Stance?

IALPA, represented by Fórsa, argues that Aer Lingus management has failed to provide a meaningful pay offer considering inflation and the sacrifices made by pilots during the pandemic. IALPA President Mark Tighe stated that the pay claim for 24% is justified by inflation and Aer Lingus’s significant profit increase last year.

What Are My Rights If My Flight Is Cancelled?

Under European Union regulations, airline passengers have certain rights when flights are delayed or cancelled due to strikes. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is responsible for enforcing these rights. Passengers can find more information on their rights and potential compensation in our recent explainer.

Will There Be Further Cancellations?

It is unclear if more cancellations will follow. The dispute between Aer Lingus and IALPA remains unresolved. The Government has offered to mediate, urging both parties to utilize the State’s industrial relations services.

Stay updated on the Aer Lingus ‘Travel Advisory’ page on their website for the latest information.