MANCHESTER- Aer Lingus (EI) passengers booked on transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport (MAN) to New York JFK Airport (JFK) and Orlando International Airport (MCO) face growing disruption as the airline considers closing its Manchester base from March 2026.
Despite Virgin Atlantic (VS) operating near-identical nonstop services on the same Manchester to US routes, affected travellers say Aer Lingus is refusing to rebook them, arguing that flights have not yet been formally cancelled.
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Virgin Atlantic Manchester Ops Under Review
Aer Lingus has confirmed it is consulting on the future of its Manchester base, with a potential closure planned from the end of March 2026. The airline has already stopped selling seats from Manchester to the United States beyond that point, affecting thousands of passengers booked on summer travel.
Recent operations from Manchester have been unstable. A full week of flights between Manchester Airport (MAN) and New York JFK was cancelled earlier this year due to what the airline described as technical and operational issues. Internal staff communications indicate that management is reviewing a phased reduction of services, including timelines and staffing levels.
According to an internal staff circular reported by the Irish Independent, employees were told the consultation would cover how a scaled-down operation would be implemented in terms of dates and resources.
Photo: Manchester Airport Group
Passenger Rights Under UK261 Rules
Under UK261 air passenger rights regulations, travellers whose flights are cancelled are entitled to be rerouted at the earliest opportunity. The UK Civil Aviation Authority states that passengers should be offered travel on the same day and via the same route where possible.
If the original airline cannot provide a suitable replacement that preserves the core characteristics of the booking, including routing and cabin class, it should seek seats on alternative airlines operating the same route.
Virgin Atlantic operates daily nonstop services from Manchester to New York JFK (JFK) and Orlando (MCO), with departure times closely aligned to Aer Lingus schedules. This makes Virgin Atlantic a viable alternative under CAA guidance.
Passengers Denied Nonstop Rebooking
Several passengers told The Independent they requested rebooking onto Virgin Atlantic flights but were refused. Aer Lingus reportedly stated that because the flights had not been cancelled, it could not offer re-accommodation on another airline.
One passenger, John Fielding, said his family had booked business class seats from Manchester to Orlando for May 2026. Aer Lingus offered either a refund or an alternative itinerary via Dublin Airport (DUB), involving an economy class sector followed by a four-hour layover before a business class connection to Orlando.
Fielding said the option was unsuitable due to travelling with two young children. He added that Aer Lingus later informed him that his case was closed and that rebooking on Virgin Atlantic was not possible.
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Airline Position and Regulatory Tension
Aer Lingus maintains that UK261 obligations do not apply until a flight is formally cancelled. The airline says it is actively working through re-accommodation requests and rebooking customers free of charge on its own services.
A spokesperson said the airline would consider options on other airlines in addition to Aer Lingus flights. However, individual cases suggest that requests to move passengers onto Virgin Atlantic services are being declined.
Passengers who independently rebooked on Virgin Atlantic from London Heathrow Airport (LHR) are now seeking reimbursement for fares and additional costs. Aviation analysts note that once cancellations are confirmed, Aer Lingus would likely be required to purchase seats on alternative carriers to meet regulatory obligations.
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What Passengers Should Expect Next
The Independent has asked Aer Lingus when it will make a final decision on whether Manchester-US flights will operate beyond March 2026. At the time of publication, the airline had not provided a confirmed timeline.
Until a decision is announced, passengers remain in a holding pattern. If flights are cancelled, UK261 rules would apply, strengthening passenger claims for rebooking on Virgin Atlantic where suitable seats are available.
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