Aer Lingus is postponing the start of its groundbreaking transatlantic flights from Manchester Airport because of Covid-linked travel restrictions.
Flights to New York and Orlando in Florida have been suspended until September 30 because of the ongoing curbs.
The airline said in a statement: "Due to international borders opening later than expected, Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd. is postponing the start of new transatlantic services between Manchester Airport and New York JFK and Orlando. New services to Barbados will launch as scheduled."
The US routes were due to commence on July 29.
Aer Lingus added: "Aer Lingus (UK) Ltd. remains fully committed to its services from Manchester Airport, and looks forward to launching to New York and Orlando on September 30, and to Barbados on October 20.
"Aer Lingus is sorry for any inconvenience caused to any of our customers. Our dedicated teams are contacting customers directly and offering a full refund, re-accommodation on an alternative service or the option of a voucher with an additional 10 per cent, for use across the Aer Lingus network over the next five years."
An Aer Lingus service from Manchester to Boston is still scheduled to commence in summer 2022.
As part of its significant expansion into Manchester, Aer Lingus pledged to create up to 120 jobs, mainly in cabin crew roles, together with additional positions within maintenance and engineering, and ground operations.
The New York JFK and Boston services will eventually serve 58 onward destinations, with a schedule designed to maximise onward connectivity to exciting destinations such as Las Vegas, Nashville, and Jamaica, and for the first time from Manchester to San Jose, Bermuda and Dallas.
The airline is one of Manchester’s longest serving carriers, currently flying to Dublin and Belfast, with flights to Cork set to resume in the summer.
