Irish Holidaymakers Facing Threat of Summer Flight Chaos as Aer Lingus Pilots Vote on Strike Action

The Aer Lingus Group Plc company logo, a shamrock, is seen on the tailfin of an Airbus A320 aircraft at Gatwick airport in Crawley, U.K., on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013. Gatwick, acquired by Global Infrastructure Partners Ltd. in 2009 after regulators sought a breakup of BAA Ltd., owner of the larger Heathrow hub, is 30 miles (48 kilometers) south of London and serves about 200 destinations, more than any other U.K. airport, according to flight schedule data provider OAG. Photographer: Chris Ratcliffe/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Irish holidaymakers could be set for major flight disruptions this summer, with the prospect of Aer Lingus pilots going on strike.

That possibility has come into sharper focus this week; with pilots formally opting to vote on strike action as the long-running pay dispute at the airline goes up a gear.

The move follows pilots rejecting last week’s Labour Court recommendation of a 9.25% pay rise – which, even though an interim settlement offer, was far short of the 23.8% rise the pilots are looking for.

IALPA – the Irish pilots’ trade union – said the offer does not reflect the profit Aer Lingus is generating.

If a strike does happen, it could occur later this month or in early July. The ballot opened this week and runs until June 12.