Fórsa has said news of 500 proposed job losses at Aer Lingus will come as a profound shock to workers across the airline, including pilots, cabin crew and staff in head office functions.
The union said its immediate priority is to engage constructively with the airline, alongside fellow unions, to ensure that every possible step is taken to minimise the need for compulsory redundancies.
“Today’s news will be very difficult for Aer Lingus workers and their families. Our focus now is on supporting members through this uncertainty and ensuring their interests are fully protected throughout the process,” Fórsa national secretary Hazel Nolan said.
Fórsa noted the company’s reference to challenging market conditions, adding that job losses must always be a last resort.
‘Extreme disappointment’ among Fórsa members at Aer Lingus cuts, says Hazel Nolan
“We acknowledge the pressures facing the aviation sector. However, compulsory redundancies should only arise where all other options have been fully explored. This includes voluntary measures, redeployment opportunities, and meaningful engagement on alternatives,” Ms Nolan said.
The union confirmed it will participate fully in the collective consultation process, which the union expects to begin shortly.
“Consultation must be genuine and solution-focused. Workers and their representatives need full transparency from the company, and sufficient time and scope to examine all viable alternatives to job losses,” Ms Nolan added.
The union also emphasised the importance of protecting the long-term sustainability of the airline without undermining its workforce.
“Aer Lingus has a highly skilled and experienced workforce which has been central to its success. Any restructuring must recognise that reality and avoid measures that would weaken the airline’s capacity into the future,” she added.
SIPTU said the sudden announcement has caused significant worry and uncertainty among workers.
“We are requesting an urgent and immediate meeting with senior management,” said SIPTU Aviation Sector Organiser, Niall Phillips.
“SIPTU will ensure that the interests of our members are fully protected and that any proposed changes are the subject of meaningful, robust consultation and engagement.
“We understand the intense anxiety this news creates, and we are committed to supporting all affected members and keeping them fully informed as further details emerge,” Mr Phillips said.
The Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association (IALPA) has also expressed serious concern at the proposed plans from Aer Lingus to cut 70 pilot jobs at the airline.
IALPA said the proposal comes despite Aer Lingus remaining one of Europe’s strongest-performing airlines and forming part of International Airlines Group (IAG), which reported record operating profits of over €5 billion for 2025 and continues to return substantial capital to shareholders.
It said that Aer Lingus reported an operating profit of about €282m for 2025, an increase of almost 38% on the previous year, while continuing to expand its North Atlantic network and take delivery of new aircraft.
It also noted that Aer Lingus recently closed its Manchester operation which was profitable and had an operating margin in excess of 15%.
It said that under the airline’s collective agreements, any assertion that a pilot surplus exists must be fully substantiated before the contractual surplus provisions can be engaged.
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Captain Daniel Langan, President of IALPA, said the proposal raises fundamental questions about the strategic direction being taken by Aer Lingus.
“Across Europe we are seeing airlines investing, expanding and recruiting. Here in Ireland, we are instead seeing proposals to reduce flying, withdraw from markets and potentially reduce pilot numbers,” Captain Langan said.
“IALPA will expect the company to demonstrate, with robust evidence, why redundancies are being contemplated in a business that remains profitable and well supported by one of the strongest airline groups in the world,” he said.
“Our objective remains the long-term success of Aer Lingus. We believe that successful airlines invest in growth, people and market opportunities. We will engage constructively throughout the consultation process, but we will vigorously defend our members and the collective agreements that have underpinned the airline’s success for decades,” he added.
IALPA confirmed that it will now examine the Aer Lingus proposals in detail and will fully participate in the statutory consultation process while protecting the rights and entitlements of its members under the collective agreements.
