Aer Lingus has announced that it is postponing the launch of new services from Manchester Airport to New York JFK and Orlando.
Aer Lingus stated on its website, "Due to international borders opening later than expected, Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd. is postponing the start of new transatlantic services between Manchester Airport and New York JFK and Orlando. New services to Barbados will launch as scheduled.
"The US routes were due to commence on 29th July.
"Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd. remains fully committed to its services from Manchester Airport, and looks forward to launching to New York and Orlando on 30th September, and to Barbados on 20th October.
"Aer Lingus is sorry for any inconvenience caused to any of our customers. Our dedicated teams are contacting customers directly and offering a full refund, re-accommodation on an alternative service or the option of a voucher with an additional 10%, for use across the Aer Lingus network over the next five years."
Replacement Services For Stobart Air Routes
Additionally, Aer Lingus, BA CityFlyer and easyJet have announced that they will operate routes formerly run by former Aer Lingus Regional service operator Stobart Air, which ceased trading earlier this week.
Aer Lingus And BA CityFlyer Service Details
Aer Lingus stated on its website, "Aer Lingus has announced further details of its replacement schedule for Aer Lingus Regional customers.
"Aer Lingus will operate six routes until at least the end of August 2021 and is progressing plans for services beyond this date, details of which will be announced shortly. BA CityFlyer has announced that it will operate four routes for the rest of summer 2021 period.
"Aer Lingus is transferring customers on to replacement flights in order to minimise disruption. Where no replacement flight has been scheduled, Aer Lingus is booking customers onto alternative flights.
"Travel on the remaining routes (Dublin/Kerry; Dublin/Donegal; Belfast/East Midlands; Belfast/Cardiff) between now and at least 27 June 2021 is cancelled. Customers booked to travel on a cancelled flight can request a voucher for future travel…or a full refund…Aer Lingus is ready to operate the Dublin/Kerry route, subject to an appropriate PSO arrangement being put in place. Aer Lingus is also actively exploring options that would enable the provision of a Dublin/Donegal service. Customers scheduled to travel on the Belfast City/East Midlands route before 27th June are being offered alternative flights.
"Aer Lingus Regional had been operated by Stobart Air under a franchise agreement. Late on the evening of 11th June, Stobart Air notified Aer Lingus that it was ceasing operations with immediate effect.
"Aer Lingus wishes to apologise to Aer Lingus Regional customers who have been affected by Stobart Air ceasing operations."
Aer Lingus added on its website, "Aer Lingus (mainline) will operate the following routes:
Belfast – Edinburgh (daily service)
Belfast – Manchester (11 services per week)
Belfast – Birmingham (daily service)
Dublin – Manchester (five services per week)
Dublin – Edinburgh (five services per week)
Dublin – Glasgow (three services a week starting 19th July 2021)
"BA CityFlyer will operate the following routes until at least 31st August 2021:
Belfast - Leeds Bradford (six services per week)
Belfast – Exeter (four services per week)
Belfast – Glasgow (starts 2nd August 2021 - six services per week)
Belfast – Newquay (starts 3rd July 2021 - two services per week)."
EasyJet Service Details
Meanwhile, EasyJet stated on its website, "The airline is adding three new UK airports to its domestic network, which includes launching operations from Belfast City Airport for the first time to London Gatwick. EasyJet will also be returning to Leeds Bradford and East Midlands airports with new flights to and from Belfast International Airport, routes previously served by the Stobart Air-operated Aer Lingus Regional, providing key connectivity between the regions.
"The airline has also put over 60,000 additional seats on sale across existing routes from Belfast International to Birmingham from 3 July operating 22 times a week; to Manchester from 9 July operating 27 times a week; to Edinburgh from 2 July operating 22 times a week; and to Glasgow from 2 July operating 20 times a week."
EasyJet UK Country Manager Statement
In a statement published on easyJet’s website, easyJet’s UK country manager, Ali Gayward said, "We were sorry to see the news about Stobart Air and so are pleased to continue to provide key regional connectivity from Belfast International Airport to East Midlands and Leeds Bradford airports, as well as launching easyJet operations for the very first time from Belfast City Airport to London Gatwick."
© 2021 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
