NI Somme pilgrimage cancelled due to Aer Lingus pilot strike action

It comes after Aer Lingus confirmed it has had to cancel at least 244 flights between next Wednesday and Sunday as a result of industrial action by pilots.

The airline’s pilots are set to begin a work-to-rule from Wednesday in their dispute over pay.

They are also planning an eight-hour strike from 5am until to 1pm on Saturday, which would affect around 15,000 passengers.

Union IALPA (Irish Air Line Pilots’ Association) is seeking a pay increase of 24%, which it says equates to inflation since the last pay rise in 2019.

Aer Lingus had previously said regional flights within GB and Northern Ireland would not be affected.

However, Co Down DUP councillor Alan Lewis has said more than 50 members of the Co Down Rangers Supporters Club have had their trip to the annual Somme commemorations cancelled due to the dispute.

“Already this week, I have been Contacted by countless people who were due to travel to Somme Commemorations flying out of Dublin, but have unfortunately had their flights cancelled,” he said.

“Annually many thousands travel from Ulster to northern France, via Dublin Airport, an annual pilgrimage to attend Somme commemorations, for many July 1 is sacred and runs deep within the psyche of Ulster Unionists, along with military associations from across the island.

“For many the annual trip to Somme isn’t a holiday or quick weekend break, it is a deeply meaningful and poignant pilgrimage to the final resting place of their ancestors.

“Every city, town, village, church and Orange Hall across Northern Ireland has plaques in memory of those who fell during WW1.

“It is right and proper that many seek the opportunity to travel to pay their respects, take part in the services of commemoration.”

Each year a memorial service is held at the Ulster Memorial Tower in Thiepval to remember those from NI who died in the Battle of the Somme.

Mr Lewis has said the airline should act to ensure they protect flights for passengers intending to travel to the annual commemorations.

“I am calling on Aer Lingus to recognise the significance of these events,” said the Slieve Groob councillor.

“Many of these flights were pre-booked a year in advance, such is the planning required to take a large group out to France. Delays or rescheduled flights can impact greatly on the services of remembrance.

“I’m asking that if travellers or a group present who have pre-booked commemoration services to attend, every effort should be made to accommodate them.

“Aer Lingus said the cancellations would enable it to “protect as many services as possible for as many of our customers as possible. I hope they “protect” these flights in full Knowledge of their significance.”

Aer Lingus have been approached for comment.