Stobart Air to Suspend International Flights and Lay Off Staff

Aer Lingus Regional operator Stobart Air is to temporarily suspend all international flight operations and lay off staff from Saturday in response to the “staggering” impact of the coronavirus pandemic on demand for airline services.

“Against this backdrop, Stobart Air has today (Monday 23 March) taken the decision to operate a significantly reduced schedule this week and temporarily suspend all international flight operations with effect from Saturday 28 March [00:00] until further notice,” the airline said in a statement.

Stobart Air will continue to operate our public service obligation (PSO) routes from Dublin to Kerry and Dublin to Donegal, maintaining vital domestic connectivity for passengers.

All scheduled international services will continue to operate up to 23:59 on Tuesday 24 March to ensure passengers have an opportunity to complete trips or make necessary travel arrangements. 

International services between 25 March and 28 March (Wednesday-Saturday) will be reduced to limited services between Dublin and Glasgow and Dublin and Edinburgh.

“We apologize for the inconvenience this unavoidable decision brings to our valued customers. We are also mindful of the impact these measures will have on our team who have shown immense professionalism and forbearance at this time.

“We have been engaging with our staff, their representatives and wider suppliers over recent days as we explored difficult but necessary measures to retain jobs such as voluntary unpaid leave and reduced working hours while reducing the cost base.

“Now, given the decision to suspend international services, temporary lay-offs will be required. Consultation with staff and employee representative groups to make the difficult but necessary arrangements are underway. 

“These measures are being implemented to protect the business against the current commercial reality and position us for the future.

Aer Lingus has been informed by Stobart Air, operator of the Aer Lingus Regional franchise, that it will cease some of its operations commencing this Wednesday, 25 March.

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