Aer Lingus flights are back to normal

Most Aer Lingus flights operated from Dublin airport normally yesterday after cabin crews ended their 24-hour strike.

Most Aer Lingus flights operated from Dublin airport normally yesterday after cabin crews ended their 24-hour strike.

Aer Lingus said it was hopeful there would be no disruption to services today but advised passengers to check for delays or cancellations before setting out.

Most of the Aer Lingus fleet took off as normal yesterday with 10 early morning flights not operating. This was due to aircraft being stationed in the wrong airport when Tuesday's cancellations began, Mr Declan Conroy, a spokesman for Aer Lingus, said.

Although Aer Lingus did not put on any extra aircraft, larger aircraft flew to London on two round-trip flights. Mr Conroy said this helped accommodate passengers on the London route whose flights were cancelled on Tuesday.

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Passengers who had tickets for flights were pleased by midday that delays seemed unlikely. Mr Conroy said few passengers whose flights were cancelled on Tuesday turned up at the airport to try to get tickets for yesterday's flights.

Most people had re-booked for flights later this week or next week, he said.

Others whose flights were cancelled would have their tickets refunded by the airline, Mr Conroy said.

"People, say going over to the States to visit relatives, may have seen the writing on the wall earlier this week and even re-booked for next month," he added.

Ms Anna Dougherty, who was due to fly to New York on Tuesday, said she called Aer Lingus on Monday when she first heard about the disputes but was unable to get a direct flight home.

"I have a heart condition and have had the flu since I got here. They're telling me they can get me a flight to Heathrow and then to New York but that's no good. I'm disgusted. They should really make arrangements for people who are sick," she said.

A spokeswoman for Aer Rianta said Dublin airport operated normally yesterday but that staff were on stand-by in case strikes occurred.

Aer Lingus at Shannon airport had one of its busiest October days yesterday with full loads on all five transatlantic aircraft.

These included services to Boston, Chicago, New York and Baltimore, as well as the Los Angeles direct service which originated at Shannon yesterday and flew direct from Dublin.