Aer Lingus to cancel 10 more flights this weekend

DUBLIN: Aer Lingus announced 10 more flight cancellations this weekend for various reasons. COVID-19 outbreak among staff, industrial action in Bordeaux, Lyon and Pisa airports and the mandated capacity reduction at London’s Heathrow Airport are the reasons behind the cancellations, the airline said.

The company has faced severe criticism in recent weeks due to continual flight cancellations, long delays and baggage handling issues. There have been several incidents where luggage has gone missing or arrived days after passengers have reached their destination.

Five flights have been canceled today, four of which were due to depart from Dublin and another from Heathrow Airport. An inbound flight from Heathrow to Cork tomorrow has been axed, as well as another two on Sunday from Dublin to Pisa and another from Heathrow to Dublin.

In a statement, Aer Lingus apologized to affected customers and said its teams are working to re-accommodate those impacted as efficiently as possible.

The airline said that it had anticipated the return of demand for travel once Covid restrictions were removed. “A significant spike in Covid cases in recent weeks, combined with system pressures and ongoing issues at some airports and among third party suppliers have created considerable additional operational challenges,” it said.

The company has shared details regarding customers’ rights and its obligations under Regulation (EC) 261/2004 in its website.