Ireland’s national carrier says it may halt its flights between Belfast and Heathrow Airport due to post-Brexit regulations.
Aer Lingus has operated the route between Northern Ireland’s capital and London Heathrow for more than 15 years.
But the airline has said it may have to close its Belfast base because of costly “regulatory changes” following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Irish flag carrier has operated domestic flights within the UK under a temporary license since Brexit.
Around 30 jobs are at risk if the decision is made to terminate flights between the two airports, Aer Lingus has said.
Staff at the regional hub were warned about potential redundancies on Wednesday, with the decision to be reached by March 26th.
Aer Lingus has stated that “as an EU carrier, regulatory changes arising from Brexit have had an impact on traffic rights within the UK market and, in particular, on the operation by Aer Lingus of the Belfast-London Heathrow route.
“Despite constructive discussions with the relevant authorities in the UK, we have, to date, been unable to identify a viable solution.
“We have therefore advised our Belfast-based staff of the possibility that we will have to cease our Belfast-London Heathrow operation (which we have operated for 15 years), with effect from 26 March 2023, which would lead to the closure of our Belfast base.”
Passengers with tickets dated after March 25 would be offered “alternative flight arrangements or a refund”, it added.
Other airlines operating flights between London and Belfast include Flybe, easyJet and British Airways.
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HeadlineBelfast-Heathrow flights at risk due to Brexit issues, airline says
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StandfirstIrish flag carrier Aer Lingus says it may stop operating flights between Belfast and London Heathrow due to "regulatory changes" around Brexit
Ireland’s national carrier says it may halt its flights between Belfast and Heathrow Airport due to post-Brexit regulations.
Aer Lingus has operated the route between Northern Ireland’s capital and London Heathrow for more than 15 years.
But the airline has said it may have to close its Belfast base because of costly “regulatory changes” following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.
The Irish flag carrier has operated domestic flights within the UK under a temporary license since Brexit.
Around 30 jobs are at risk if the decision is made to terminate flights between the two airports, Aer Lingus has said.
Staff at the regional hub were warned about potential redundancies on Wednesday, with the decision to be reached by March 26th.
Aer Lingus has stated that “as an EU carrier, regulatory changes arising from Brexit have had an impact on traffic rights within the UK market and, in particular, on the operation by Aer Lingus of the Belfast-London Heathrow route.
“Despite constructive discussions with the relevant authorities in the UK, we have, to date, been unable to identify a viable solution.
“We have therefore advised our Belfast-based staff of the possibility that we will have to cease our Belfast-London Heathrow operation (which we have operated for 15 years), with effect from 26 March 2023, which would lead to the closure of our Belfast base.”
Passengers with tickets dated after March 25 would be offered “alternative flight arrangements or a refund”, it added.
Other airlines operating flights between London and Belfast include Flybe, easyJet and British Airways.
