Aer Lingus and the Irish Airline Pilots Association will meet for talks this morning aimed at resolving ongoing industrial action.

Pilots with the airline are currently undertaking a work-to-rule in a row over pay.

This latest round of talks will get underway at 9.30am and follow a written invitation from Aer Lingus to IALPA asking it to attend a meeting with airline executives.

Last-ditch talks on Tuesday failed to bring a resolution to the dispute that has already caused huge disruption and now thousands of airline passengers face chaos.

An indefinite work-to-rule by members of IALPA will continue, meaning they won't do any overtime or work outside their rosters.

This will escalate to an eight-hour strike on Saturday.

Impacts

Aer Lingus says nearly 40,000 passengers have been impacted by the work-to-rule by members of IALPA, including 270 cancelled flights up to next Tuesday.

Pilots are looking for a nearly 24% pay rise - which IALPA says is accumulative of inflation since 2019.

After rejecting a Labour Court recommendation of 9.25%, IALPA has made clear it's not for turning.

It's hoped this morning's meeting - likely to take a number of hours - will either put a halt to the action by IALPA or at least will provide a basis for both parties to return to the Labour Court.

A spokesperson for the Taoiseach Simon Harris said he welcomed the move and added he has been clear this dispute is having a disproportionate impact on the travelling public.

Main image: Aer Lingus planes seen at Dublin Airport, 31-5-21. Image: NurPhoto SRL / Alamy