Aer Lingus reports 38 per cent operating profit increase to €282 million

Aer Lingus, an Ireland-based airline, reported operating profit increased 38 per cent to €282 million last year, according to the Irish Independent.

However, increased competition on transatlantic routes during the winter season that began at the end of October saw operating profit in the final quarter of 2025 decline 54 per cent to €31 million.

Aer Lingus stated transatlantic competitor capacity has increased 45 per cent for the current winter season, which for airlines ends next month. The airline will also face increased competition this coming summer on transatlantic routes from Dublin.

Aer Lingus is closing its base at Manchester on 31 March, having operated services to Barbados, Orlando, and New York from Manchester using Airbus A330 jets. The airline, headed by Chief Executive Lynne Embleton, previously insisted operating margin on long-haul operations from the city continue to significantly lag those of long-haul operations from Ireland.

Embleton stated: "Urgent resolution of the passenger cap issue is required from Government – it is imperative to now immediately enact legislation which will enable the Minister for Transport to remove the passenger cap and provide the certainty that is required for the Irish economy."

Aer Lingus stated financial performance last year was driven by operating profits of €135 million in the second quarter and €170 million in the third quarter, benefiting from robust revenue performance, favourable fuel pricing, and capacity growth. The carrier increased overall capacity by 6.6 per cent last year and passenger numbers by almost 3 per cent compared to 2024.

The airline expanded its transatlantic network with new routes to Indianapolis and Nashville, contributing to a capacity increase of 7.4 per cent to North America.

Read the full story on Aer Lingus' operating profit increase and market challenges.