Aer Lingus set to close Belfast base as Brexit bites

Regulatory changes arising from Britain’s exit from the European Union may force EU carrier Aer Lingus to cease its only UK domestic route between Belfast City and London Heathrow from March 26, 2023. Since Brexit, the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement requires all UK-based airlines to operate under a UK operating licence, meaning EU carriers such as Aer Lingus are not permitted to operate UK domestic routes. In a notice to customers, the Irish flag carrier said Brexit was impacting its travel rights within the UK market, particularly on the Belfast-London Heathrow route. “Despite constructive discussions, we have to date been unable to identify a viable solution, and there is now a likelihood that we will cease our Belfast-London Heathrow operation from effect from March 26, 2023. At present, we are in consultation processes with our people and unions as we engage on proposed options,” the airlines said in a statement shared on social media. Flights up to and including March 25, 2023, would continue as scheduled. Should the route be closed from March 26, the airline would contact affected passengers directly by January 31 2023, to offer an alternative flight or refund.<br/>