Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary has accused Aer Lingus pilots of blackmailing the airline, claiming it’s “indefensible”. 

O’Leary made the comments on Newstalk this morning (June 17) during a segment discussing Aer Lingus pilots who are considering industrial action due to a pay dispute. 

Speaking to Pat Kenny, O’Leary said, “Aer Lingus pilots didn’t get a pay increase coming out of Covid, but I think what they got from the labour court, about nine and a half percent, is more than fair. It’s certainly ahead of inflation which is two or three percent, and most of the people making the noise here are the senior captains on €250,000 a year. 

“I think it’s indefensible. These guys are blackmailing airlines and the public over strikes during the summer. They’ve already been offered a nine and a half percent pay increase. The senior pilots are on €250,000 a year, they’re more than well paid. 

“If they were baggage handlers you’d have more sympathy, but this is just industrial blackmail.” 

O’Leary’s comments come ahead of a decision on industrial action by Aer Lingus pilots who are members of the Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA). 

The IALPA reportedly conducted a ballot of its members in Aer Lingus last week due to a lack of pay increases since 2019, despite the company “making bumper profits” and “inflation of 24% from 2019 to 2024”. 

The ballot comes after pilots rejected a labour court recommendation of a 9.25% pay increase. 

They are instead seeking an increase of approximately 24%, according to Ireland’s Travel Trade Network. 

However, O’Leary believes that industrial action – if it goes ahead – will not be successful, and he urged holidaymakers not to worry about flights being cancelled. 

He said, “People should not panic. Aer Lingus regional will continue to operate regional services, Iberia BA will fill in, and the transatlantic airlines [too]. 

“We have about six or eight spare aircrafts, we can certainly add in extra flights but you get very short notice if there’s going to be strikes here.” 

He concluded: “I strongly urge Aer Lingus to stand up to these pilots, and I would strongly urge Aer Lingus pilots if you’re getting €250,000 a year and the labour court has awarded you nine and a half percent, take it, and negotiate again next year.” 

A result of the union ballot is imminent but unavailable at time of writing. 

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