Aer Lingus strike suspended

A planned 48-hour strike by Aer Lingus pilots which was due to start today (August 21st) has been suspended.

The airline said that it is continuing with a complete short-haul flight schedule, although there are some long-haul cancellations. These include flight numbers EI 105 and EI 104 between Dublin and New York today and EI 123 and EI 122 between Dublin and Chicago tomorrow.

Anyone who cancelled their flights because of the planned strike can rebook without charge or arrive at check-in anyway where staff will attempt to place them on a flight.

Aer Lingus has also advised short-haul passengers to arrive for check-in at least two hours before the flight is due to take off. Those flying to destinations in the USA and Dubai have been urged to arrive three hours before their services depart.

The airline said in a statement: "We welcome the decision of IALPA [Irish Airline Pilots' Association] to suspend the planned strike action for Tuesday and Wednesday of this week."

Pilots voted to strike last week after concerns over plans by Aer Lingus to open a new base in Belfast and scrap its services between Shannon and Heathrow Airport.

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