Aer Lingus Row Escalates: Passengers Brace for Further Disruptions Following the revelation of exorbitant pilot pensions totaling €2 million, passengers of Aer Lingus have been bracing themselves for further disruptions amidst an ongoing labor dispute. The revelations, which emerged from a recent Irish Times report, sparked outrage among passengers and unions alike. Pilots currently receive an average annual pension of €161,000, while the average Irish citizen receives just €12,980. In response to the backlash, the airline’s chief executive, Lynne Embleton, has defended the pensions, stating that they are justified by the pilots’ training and experience. However, unions and passenger groups have vehemently opposed this argument, claiming that the pensions are excessive and unsustainable. The dispute has already led to the cancellation of over 800 flights over the past two months, affecting thousands of passengers. With no resolution in sight, further disruptions are expected. The Independent Catering and Retail Union (ICRA), which represents Aer Lingus cabin crew, has warned that passengers could face months of disruption unless the pensions issue is resolved. “We have not just one row on our hands, we have two,” an ICRA official told The Irish Times. The dispute has also raised concerns about the airline’s financial stability. Aer Lingus is facing mounting losses due to the ongoing flight cancellations and the rising cost of fuel. In an effort to mitigate the impact of the row, the airline has announced a plan to recruit 100 new pilots. However, unions have expressed skepticism about the airline’s ability to hire and train enough pilots to significantly reduce the disruptions. As the dispute escalates, passengers are advised to check with Aer Lingus for the latest flight information and to consider alternative travel options if necessary. The ongoing situation is a major inconvenience for travelers and highlights the challenges facing Ireland’s aviation industry.Aer Lingus passengers brace for more trouble after revelation of €2m pilot pensions. The Irish Times has reported that some Aer Lingus pilots are retiring with pensions worth €2 million. The revelation comes as the airline is embroiled in a bitter row with its pilots over pay and conditions. Pilots have been threatening to go on strike over the issue. The airline has said that it cannot afford to meet the pilots’ demands. The pilots are arguing that they are underpaid compared to other European airlines. The row has already led to the cancellation of hundreds of flights. Passengers are now bracing themselves for more trouble. The Irish Travel Agents Association has warned that the dispute could cost the Irish economy millions of euro. The government has called on both sides to resolve the dispute. However, there are no signs of a breakthrough.