Regional f lights hit as Stobart Air calls in liquidator
AER LINGUS regional flights were cancelled without warning and with immediate effect yesterday after Stobart Air, which operates the services, announced it had ceased operations.
But Aer Lingus yesterday confirmed it had developed plans to replace some of its regional schedule.
It said it would operate five of the 12 routes and BA City Flyer would operate two more for at least the next week.
‘Alternative operations for the outstanding routes are still being determined,’ the statement said.
‘All impacted customers are being contacted directly and
‘Pandemic resulted in almost no flying’
offered details of an alternative flight where feasible. All impacted customers also have the option of a full refund.’
Aer Lingus will operate the Dublin/Edinburgh, Dublin/ Manchester, Belfast City/ Manchester, Belfast City/ Birmingham and Belfast City/ Edinburgh routes.
BA City Flyer will operate the Belfast City/Exeter route and the Belfast City/Leeds Bradford route.
Plans for the Dublin/Kerry and Dublin/Donegal public service obligation routes are still being worked out.
Customers due to travel on the Belfast City/East Midlands, Dublin/Glasgow and Dublin/
Newquay routes are being offered alternative flights.
Aer Lingus said: ‘Teams across Aer Lingus have been working through the night progressing alternative flying operations from tomorrow to provide a service for Aer Lingus regional customers.’
Stobart announced on Friday night it was terminating its franchise agreement and was in the process of appointing a liquidator.
The airline could not say how many customers were affected by the cancellations.
In a statement, the airline said: ‘Late on the evening of 11th June, Stobart Air notified Aer Lingus that it was terminating its Franchise Agreement with Aer Lingus with immediate effect.
‘As a result, all Aer Lingus regional flights operated by Stobart Air are cancelled. Stobart Air referred to the continuing impact of the pandemic which has resulted in almost no flying since March 2020. Stobart Air has ceased trading and is now in the process of appointing a liquidator.
‘Aer Lingus apologises to customers for the inconvenience caused by the cancellation at such short notice of all flights operated by Stobart Air.’
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan said the announcement was ‘concerning news for the affected workers and for regional connectivity’. He added: ‘We will be engaging with all stakeholders to restore connectivity to the regional airports affected.’