Aer Lingus to hold review after packed flight concerns
Aer Lingus says it is reviewing health and safety procedures on flights between London and Belfast after a claim that it isn’t observing the Government’s recommended social-distancing measures.
Passenger Sean Mallon took photos of an Aer Lingus flight to Heathrow showing most of the seats filled and passengers sitting shoulder to shoulder.
Mallon told the BBC there was ‘no social distancing whatsovever’ on the flight from Belfast City airport.
Aer Lingus told the broadcaster that safety was its ‘top priority’ and any necessary changes would be implemented urgently.
All Aer Lingus flights have been suspended due to Covid-19, with the exception of two London services operating from Belfast City and City of Derry.
Mallon, who was travelling to England for work, said airline staff did not offer any guidance on social distancing before or during Monday morning’s flight.
"I would say there was about 95% of the seats taken on the flight," he told the BBC’s Evening Extra programme.
Passengers had queued up and boarded in the same way as prior to the pandemic, he said.
"The queues were down the steps and out on to the tarmac as they were before all this happened," he said.
Passengers were not offered hand sanitiser and the only advice they were given was a reminder to wash their hands after landing.
In a statement, the airline said: "In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast – London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route, Aer Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service.
"The safety and security of Aer Lingus’ customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
TAP Air Portugal to operate 29 flights due to strike on December 11
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season