Aer Lingus confident summer flights will operate despite rising fuel costs
Airline reports €103 million first-quarter loss but says fuel supply is secure ahead of busy summer period
Aer Lingus says passengers should not face disruption to summer flights despite rising fuel costs and a €103 million first-quarter loss.
The airline reported an operating loss of €103 million for the first quarter of 2026, compared to a €55 million loss during the same period last year.
Aer Lingus said performance during the quarter was impacted by a number of factors including rising fuel prices, increased carbon costs and continued competition on transatlantic routes.
The airline also cited one-off costs associated with the closure of its Manchester transatlantic base.
Despite the losses, passenger numbers increased by 1.1% compared to Q1 2025, supported by a number of new long-haul and short-haul routes.
Commenting on the results, Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton said the airline was confident in its fuel supply ahead of the busy summer season.
“While we are not seeing interruptions to jet fuel supply and we are confident of supply to operate our summer schedule, we are not immune to the impacts of sharp rises in fuel prices,” she said.
She added that the airline is reviewing its cost base and schedules beyond the summer “to ensure that we operate as efficiently as possible and are positioned well for the future.”
Aer Lingus has continued to expand its route network in recent months, with new services launched from Dublin to destinations including Cancún, Tromsø and Raleigh-Durham.
A new direct route from Dublin to Pittsburgh is also due to commence later this month.