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In a major blow for North West UK aviation and especially UK Disney holidaymakers, Aer Lingus is weighing-up shutting its Manchester Airport long-haul base. This would include pulling the regular and popular flight to Orlando International Airport, MCO.
Although no final decision has been made, Aer Lingus has begun a formal consultation process with employee representatives that includes the possibility of closing the base altogether. For UK travellers heading to Walt Disney World there is no need to panic, here’s what this means.
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Why Air Lingus Is Considering Leaving Manchester
Aer Lingus launched its Manchester long-haul operation in 2021 to serve key US destinations without routing passengers through Dublin. However, the airline has now confirmed that performance at the Manchester base remains below that of its Irish counterpart.
Manchester has been generating substantially lower returns that its equivalent flights operating out of Dublin. This difference in financial performance has put pressure on the Manchester operation. Aer Lingus have said:
"This makes it difficult to justify further investment in the Manchester base and raises the question as to whether there are potentially better alternative uses of the two aircraft that are in the Manchester base"
Manchester’s long-haul flights aren’t delivering the revenue the airline needs, and Aer Lingus must now decide whether to scale back or withdraw completely.
Consultation Begins And Closures on the Table
Aer Lingus has formally entered a structured consultation with staff representatives at the base. This process will look at all available options, from adjustments to the existing schedule to the possibility of ending the operation entirely.
Approximately 200 roles could be affected if the base does close. For flight crew seconded from Aer Lingus in Ireland, their contracts include pathways to return to their original Irish posts. Union representatives have said they will work with the airline to ensure any transition is smooth.
What This Means for UK Travellers Headed to Walt Disney World
For visitors flying to Orlando, especially families from the North of England, Aer Lingus's Manchester operation has been a popular alternative to London departures. The Manchester Airport hub often provides the cheapest flights in the North West and encourages more competitive flight pricing.
Nothing changes immediately and flights continue to operate as normal. As no decisions have been made and this is a consultation period there is uncertainty at this time as to what the future of Aer Lingus flights out of Manchester Airport will look like.
Future services could be reduced or withdrawn. Currently Aer Lingus operate three routes from Manchester:
Flying five times a week to Orlando International Airport, MCO
Flying daily to New York, JFK
Seasonal flights to Barbados, BGI
For Florida and Disney World holiday makers it is the Orlando route that people will be watching carefully. Manchester Airport does also offers flights to Orlando International Airport with Virgin Atlantic, however many visitors find Aer Lingus offers a more affordable price for a similar service.
If the base closes, Aer Lingus's Manchester-Orlando route could be one of the services affected. This would impact Florida holiday-makers and could see price rises in flights from Manchester.
A reduction in transatlantic competition from Manchester could lead to higher fares. If you’re looking to book your flights for the end of 2026 it may be worth pausing for the outcome.
Should UK Disney Travellers Be Worried?
No. There is no need to worry, but if you are in the process of planning a Walt Disney World trip and you plan to fly from Manchester and use Aer Lingus it's wise to stay informed.
Have a backup plan in mind for Orlando flights via Virgin Atlantic and if you are looking to book in the next week or so keep an eye out for Black Friday deals with other carriers. TUI fly into Melbourne from Manchester so this could be another option to consider.
Magic in a Minute
Aer Lingus is reviewing the future of its Manchester long-haul base, raising the possibility of route changes for Orlando-bound UK visitors. Nothing has been cancelled yet, but if you’re planning a UK to Walt Disney World trip from Manchester Airport this is a developing situation to keep an eye on.
FAQs
Is Aer Lingus definitely leaving Manchester?
No, this is not confirmed. The airline is exploring options, and closure is one of them but not guaranteed.
Will my Orlando holiday be cancelled?
Your holiday won't be cancelled, but your flight could change if the base is closed. Aer Lingus must offer rebooking or refunds.
Why is the Manchester base struggling?
Its long-haul routes have not been as profitable as those operated from Ireland, prompting a full review.
Are other airlines likely to pick up Orlando demand?
Virgin Atlantic and TUI already fly from Manchester and provide Florida routes so they may increase capacity if Aer Lingus leaves.