Bookings at Aer Lingus have plummeted since strike action by pilots was confirmed.

The work to rule action by Aer Lingus pilots does not begin until next week - but it is already having an impact on the company. 

New bookings fell by as much as 30% in just one day with the President of the Irish Travel Agents Association telling the Irish Examiner that business was down 'across the board' from travel agents and the public. 

Aer Lingus has said it will work with other airlines and partners to try to hire in aircraft in a bid to limit the damage the strike will cause. 

An Aer Lingus ATR 72-600 propeller aircraft at Birmingham Airport. Image: Andy Gibson / Alamy

99% of pilots voted for the strike after the airline turned down their demands for a 23.8% pay increase that would have meant “pilots’ pay has the same purchasing power as it did in 2019”.

Aer Lingus described the demand as “outrageous” and noted it would mean some 200 senior pilots earning €350,000 a year. 

There have been calls for the Government to get involved as the busiest travelling time of the year approaches. 

Last night, Taoiseach Simon Harris urged both sides to 'get into a room' and discuss their issues - adding there was a need for common sense and a bit of 'cop-on'.

Main image: An Aer Lingus airbus.