Aer Lingus pilots have passed a unanimous motion of no confidence in Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operations Officer on November, 10, 2025 , deepening a long-running pilot dispute over safety oversight and management conduct. The Aer Lingus no-confidence vote marks the latest escalation in the airline’s wider industrial relations challenges.
The Background & Long Running Labour Tensions
The Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) said the motion followed the suspension of a pilot after a safety-related incident on a flight from Barbados to Manchester involving a ‘positioning crew’, pilots travelling as passengers to operate another service. According to The Irish Times, a complaint was made alleging that safety protocols were breached when the crew failed to remain in their assigned seats.
IALPA claims the issue has “serious safety implications,” accusing senior management of “interference from non-flying executives.” The union has sought urgent talks with Aer Lingus following the vote.
The Aer Lingus pilots vote comes after years of strained relations between flight crews and management. In summer 2024, IALPA members staged industrial action over pay, leading to more than 600 flight cancellations and losses of around €55 million.
The dispute ended when pilots accepted a Labour Court recommendation for a 17.75% pay rise over four years, which IALPA President Captain Mark Tighe described as “the greatest pay award seen in 30 years for Aer Lingus pilots.”
However, the current dispute shows deeper mistrust within Aer Lingus industrial relations, extending beyond pay to issues of safety and day-to-day operations.
Aer Lingus Pushes Back
Aer Lingus strongly rejected the motion, describing it as “entirely inappropriate” and without effect.
“The motions discussed at the IALPA EGM on 10th November have no effect,” a spokesperson said, criticising union leadership for “even proposing.”
The airline also denied any interference in its internal processes, emphasising that “the confidentiality and integrity of the processes are not subject to any outside interference.” Aer Lingus claimed that the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) and the no-confidence motion by IALPA of being an attempt to disrupt an ongoing internal review regarding a suspended pilot.
Defending its handling of the suspended pilot’s case, the airline said it was following two standard, separate procedures: one safety investigation following a report, and a distinct “fact-finding process” to address employee concerns.
The company maintains that its leadership has acted within policy, while pilots argue that management has overstepped into operational safety a key source of friction in Aer Lingus industrial relations.
Leadership & Outlook
CEO Lynne Embleton, who has led Aer Lingus since 2021, has steered the airline through post-pandemic recovery and introduced new Airbus A321XLR aircraft to its fleet. Despite strong operational performance earlier in 2025, the Aer Lingus no-confidence vote highlights ongoing challenges in balancing management authority with pilot oversight.
As discussions between Aer Lingus pilots and leadership continue, the outcome will likely define the next phase of the airline’s industrial relations and determine whether tensions can be contained ahead of the winter travel season.
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