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Hoteliers in Ireland have expressed growing concerns about the potential impact of cancelled Aer Lingus flights on the country’s reputation as a tourist destination. Approximately 35,000 passengers have been affected by over 240 flight cancellations, which are a result of industrial action taken by pilots affiliated with the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA).

This disruption comes amid an ongoing pay dispute, with IALPA members initiating a work-to-rule action in response to the deadlock with Aer Lingus over pay negotiations. President of the Irish Hotels Federation, Michael Magner, described the cancelled flights as an “enormous concern,” noting that room bookings are already being cancelled as a result of the industrial action.

The impact of these flight cancellations on the tourism industry is significant, particularly with regard to inbound visitors, transatlantic, and long-haul flights. According to Magner, the disruption caused by these cancellations is a cause for “enormous concern throughout our industry.” He emphasized the importance of Aer Lingus to the tourism sector, highlighting the potential damage to Irish tourism and downstream hospitality businesses that heavily rely on tourism during the peak holiday season.

In response to the strike, Ryanair has announced the addition of several flights to its schedule to accommodate affected passengers. However, the situation remains challenging, with Aer Lingus warning customers that flight cancellations may be communicated at the departure gate. Over 10 Aer Lingus flights departing from Dublin to London Heathrow alone have been cancelled over the weekend, further compounding the impact of the industrial action.

Aer Lingus, which recorded a substantial operating profit in 2023, is facing escalating tensions with its pilots who are seeking a substantial pay increase of 23.8% over three years. This demand follows the rejection of a Labour Court recommendation that proposed a 9.25% pay increase. The pilots argue that the requested pay raise is reasonable and affordable for a profitable company such as Aer Lingus, citing the substantial increase in the company’s operating profit from €45 million in 2022 to €225 million in 2023.

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As the dispute continues, hoteliers are calling for the suspension of industrial action and constructive engagement from both parties to prevent further disruption to Irish tourism. Meanwhile, the broader implications of this standoff between Aer Lingus and its pilots are likely to reverberate throughout the country’s tourism industry, requiring swift resolution to mitigate the potential long-term damage to Ireland’s reputation as a tourist destination. Full report by .