As the Iran war continues to sow instability on long-term jet fuel prices, most airlines have had to trim their networks to optimize only the most high-traffic routes.
Irish flag carrier Aer Lingus, which at a peak flew to over 20 U.S. cities due to the large numbers of diaspora, business and other types of travelers between the two countries, has been among the many other carriers having to make tough choices this year: the airline cut roughly 2% of its summer schedule, or 500 flights to various European cities, from its network earlier this spring and presented a 6% flight capacity reduction that will result in the loss of more than 500 corporate and cabin crew jobs.
As part of further route reductions, Aer Lingus confirmed that it will discontinue three routes to U.S. destinations after the summer season: the route from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Denver International (DEN) will end on Sept. 28 while the flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul International (MSP) and Las Vegas Harry Reid International (LAS) will run for the final time on Oct. 24 and Dec. 3.
Aer Lingus cancels flights between Denver, Minneapolis and Las Vegas
Aer Lingus representatives said that the cuts are part of an overall strategy of improving the airline’s operating margin after it posted a loss of €103 million (roughly $117 million USD) in the first quarter of 2026. The Denver route launched in May 2024 and remains the only direct flight to the city from Ireland.
As part of further austerity steps, Aer Lingus will also turn its route between Dublin and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) into a seasonal flight that will stop flying on Oct. 24 and resume again in the spring of 2027 instead of running year-round as initially planned.
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Passengers who already booked travel on one of the cut routes beyond the cancelation date can either wait to be contacted by an airline representative with their refund options or initiate the process on their own online through their flight booking.
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“We will contact you directly in relation to reaccommodation or refund options”: Aer Lingus
“We are working hard to minimize disruption as much as possible for all customers affected,” Aer Lingus states on its website relating to the cut routes. “If your flight has been impacted, we will contact you directly in relation to reaccommodation or refund options. If you booked through a travel agent, partner airline or tour operator, they will be in touch with you directly to discuss your options, including a refund if required.”
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Flight cuts within Europe include the cancelation of the route between Dublin and Split in Croatia as well as making the flights to Frankfurt, Hamburg and Malta from the Irish capital summer-only seasonal.
“Our accelerated transformation aims to set Aer Lingus up for the future; to ensure the airline is a strong investment case and able to weather the turbulence in our industry,” Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton said in a release on the extensive cuts.
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