Aer Lingus to Close Manchester Base and End Transatlantic Flights in March 2026
Aer Lingus will permanently close its Manchester base on March 31, 2026. The airline will end all transatlantic services from the airport.
The decision affects flights to New York and Orlando. It also impacts approximately 200 Manchester-based crew members. The move marks a major shift in long-haul operations from the UK regional hub.
New York Flights to End in February 2026
Flights from Manchester to New York City (JFK) will cease from February 23, 2026. Orlando services will also end as part of the closure. Aer Lingus confirmed that all transatlantic flying from Manchester will stop by the end of March.
The airline will operate a temporary Dublin to Barbados service as part of network adjustments. However, this will not replace Manchester-based operations.
Passengers booked on affected routes are receiving rebooking options. Many customers are being offered alternative connections via Dublin. Aer Lingus will continue operating long-haul services through its Dublin hub.
Around 200 Staff Affected by Closure
The closure impacts approximately 200 pilots and cabin crew based in Manchester. The airline has begun formal severance consultations with employees.
The decision follows what Aer Lingus described as an underperforming base. The carrier said it could not sustain the long-term viability of the operation.
However, local media reports suggested that internal projections indicated possible profitability from the two Manchester-based aircraft. Despite this, Aer Lingus opted to consolidate its long-haul network.
Manchester Loses Direct US Connectivity
The closure removes direct Aer Lingus flights between Manchester and key US destinations. Travellers will now rely on connections through Dublin or other European hubs.
The move may affect regional business and leisure travel demand. It also reduces direct long-haul options from northern England.
Aer Lingus has not announced plans to reopen a Manchester base in the future. With the March 2026 deadline approaching, passengers and staff now face significant adjustments as the airline reshapes its UK strategy.