Aer Lingus ceased operations on Dublin to London Gatwick effective from Saturday 30 March, which operated up to five times daily using 174 seat Airbus A320-200 aircraft citing a a review of the route’s performance. The last service EIN236/7 was operated by EI-DEI Airbus A320-214 msn 2374 in Irish Rugby Team Livery.
The exit of Aer Lingus from Gatwick market leaves Ryanair as sole operator on route operating up to eight times daily using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
In 2009 Aer Lingus established a London Gatwick base with five A320s operating 14 routes to Europe. Over the years the carrier downsized base to five routes to Cork, Dublin, Knock, Malaga, and Shannon. In 2013 further reduced operations to three routes to Belfast City, Dublin, and Ireland West Airport. In 2023 the carrier terminated Gatwick to Ireland West Airport as carrier consolidated operations in London Heathrow.
It remains to be seen Aer Lingus slots in London Gatwick are taken over by International Consolidated Airlines Group carriers with base operations at Gatwick, namely British Airways Euroflyer or Vueling Airlines operating Airbus A320/321 aircraft, whom could operate on a code-share basis with Aer Lingus.
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 30 March 2024 All Rights Reserved