What to Do if Aer Lingus Cancels Your Flight Due to a Strike

Joanna Teljeur

By:  Joanna Teljeur

Last Updated:  February 13, 2026

Reviewed by:  Anton Radchenko

In the summer of 2024, Aer Lingus pilots went on strike, affecting the travel plans of countless passengers. Are you prepared if airline employees go on strike again? Let’s dive into the best ways to stay prepared, so you can avoid disruptions and get help from the airline if your flight is cancelled or delayed as a result of a strike.

Have your travel plans already been affected because of an Aer Lingus strike? See if you’re owed repayment from the airline by entering your flight info below!

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Your Rights as an Aer Lingus Passenger

If you have delays or cancellations as a result of an Aer Lingus strike, Regulation EU261/2004 will protect you.

This means that if the airline cancels your flight, you’re entitled to the choice of a refund or a rebooking to your final destination. Additionally, if your flight arrives 3 or more hours late, then you’re entitled to between 250-600 EUR in compensation.

Lastly, if you’re waiting for a delayed flight for more than 2 hours at the airport, then Aer Lingus must provide food and refreshments. For overnight delays, you are also entitled to a hotel stay and a taxi or shuttle there and back. 

Real Life Scenario 1: Aer Lingus Staff Strike (Eligible for Compensation)

Sarah booked a flight from Dublin to Paris with Aer Lingus. The day before departure, Aer Lingus pilots announced a strike and her flight was cancelled. Since the cancellation was due to an Aer Lingus staff strike and she was informed less than 14 days before departure, Sarah was entitled to €400 in compensation, plus the choice of a refund or a new flight to Paris.

Keep receipts! If any flight disruptions lead to out-of-pocket spending, you can get reimbursed by the airline.

When You Won’t Get Compensated

If your Aer Lingus flight is delayed or cancelled because of an airport or air traffic control strike, then you won’t be able to make a claim for compensation. This is because Aer Lingus has no way to avoid strikes from third parties, however, you are still entitled to a refund or a rebooking if your flight is cancelled or delayed for 5+ hours - regardless of the cause behind it.

Real Life Scenario 2: Airport Staff Strike (Not Eligible for Compensation)

Tom and his friends were set to fly from Cork to London, but their flight was cancelled after airport security staff went on strike. Because the disruption was caused by airport employees and not Aer Lingus staff, the airline wasn’t required to pay compensation. However, Tom and his friends still had the right to a refund or to be rebooked on the next available flight.

Confused about whether your Aer Lingus delay or cancellation is eligible for airline repayment? Let us help! Just enter your flight details below to find out! Check Your Flight

How to Alter You Booking Before an Aer Lingus Strike

You probably want to avoid the situation entirely by changing the timing of your flight or cancelling it all together. Here’s what you need to know about altering your travel arrangements.

• Refundable tickets can be cancelled or changed according to the terms and conditions of your Aer Lingus ticket
• Non-refundable tickets. You might be able to cancel and change these kinds of tickets without the usual fees, but check on the Aer Lingus website for more information. Sometimes, the airline will give passengers the option of changing their travel dates and will post these dates on their travel alerts page.

If you don’t see anything on their official website or haven’t received any communication from them regarding your flight, you can contact them to ask if they will allow you some flexibility. If you can’t change or cancel your ticket without a fee, then wait until Aer Lingus cancels your flight so you can get an automatic rebooking or refund.

4 Steps to Prepare for an Aer Lingus Strike

1. Check the refund and change policies for your ticket. This will help you plan and make better decisions.
2. Download the airline’s app because it will help you easily keep track of your flight status and any changes made to your itinerary.
3. Sign up for emails and/or SMS alerts so you can stay updated about any pending strike action.
4. If you have to travel when a strike has been announced, be sure to pack snacks and any essentials you’d need if you get stranded at the airport, and read up on your rights in our airline strike compensation guide.

Step-by-Step: Claiming Aer Lingus Strike Compensation

Aer Lingus strikes are never fun, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If your travel plans have been turned upside down, check your eligibility for compensation with AirAdvisor, and let us help you claim what you’re owed.

1. Gather your documents: Keep your booking confirmation, boarding pass, and any communication from Aer Lingus about the delay or cancellation.
2. Track your delay: Note your scheduled departure and arrival times versus actual times, because this is key to claiming compensation for long flight delays.
3. Use a compensation service: AirAdvisor makes it simple—just fill out your flight details and we’ll do the rest. We’ll chase up Aer Lingus and fight for your rights, so you don’t have to handle any paperwork or negotiations.
4. Wait for your payout: If you’re entitled, you could receive up to €600 per passenger!

Safe travels, and remember, AirAdvisor is always on your side!If you have any questions, or want to start your claim, reach out today.Check Your Flight

Frequently Asked Questions

• Aer Lingus Compensation

Author:

Joanna Teljeur

Job/Position: Senior Editor & Content Lead

Joanna Teljeur is a senior editor and writer with 15+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, and content development, specialising in consumer rights, aviation law, and public-interest reporting. Her work focuses on transforming complex regulatory and legal topics into clear, accurate, and accessible content for international audiences.

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