Aer Lingus cancels hundreds of flights as summer travel chaos deepens

Thousands of travellers flying from Dublin, Shannon and Cork airports in Ireland may face significant disruption on domestic, European and transatlantic routes during the peak travel season, reported the newspaper.

The airline said that schedule changes apply to approximately two per cent of Aer Lingus's overall operations.

Aer Lingus said it will reschedule most passengers on alternative same-day services where possible.

A spokesperson for Aer Lingus said: "Aer Lingus has commenced operating its planned summer schedule. A number of recent cancellations have been required due to mandatory maintenance on aircraft, along with a limited number of schedule adjustments.

"Where schedule adjustments are being made, the vast majority of customers are being reaccommodated on same-day services."

As of 25 February 2026, Aer Lingus has joined Ryanair in demanding that passengers between Great Britain and Ireland carry passports.

Until then, Aer Lingus allowed a wide range of identification, including a bus pass, work ID card or international student card, as long as it included a photograph.

The carrier's spokesperson told The Independent: "All customers, including Irish or British nationals, travelling on Aer Lingus and Aer Lingus Regional services between the Republic of Ireland and the UK will now require a valid passport or Irish passport card.

"The other forms of photo ID previously accepted will no longer be valid for travel."