Aer Lingus Celebrates 90 Years with Historic Dublin-Bristol Flight

This article is based on an official press release from Aer Lingus.

Aer Lingus celebrated its 90th anniversary on May 27, 2026, by recreating its inaugural flight from Dublin to Bristol. According to an official press release from the airlines, the commemorative journey featured a newly restored 1936 de Havilland DH.84 Dragon aircraft, affectionately named Iolar (Irish for “eagle”).

The flight retraced the exact route taken nine decades ago, serving as a testament to the carrier’s evolution. What began as a fledgling operation with a single aircraft and five passengers has transformed into a major international airline connecting Ireland to over 100 destinations worldwide.

We at AirPro News recognize the historical significance of this milestone, which highlights both the preservation of aviation heritage and the airline’s continued global expansion.

Retracing a Historic Route

The Original 1936 Journey

On May 27, 1936, Aer Lingus commenced operations with its first flight departing from Baldonnel Aerodrome, a military airstrip near Dublin, bound for Bristol Airport. The press release notes that this inaugural flight carried just five passengers, including airline director and Great Southern Railway manager William Herbert Morton, alongside a bundle of Irish Times newspapers destined for London.

The original Iolar operated for two years before being sold to fund the airline’s expansion, and was tragically lost during World War II. In 1936, the journey across the Irish Sea took approximately three hours. Today, Aer Lingus operates multiple daily services on this route, completing the trip in just over an hour.

The 2026 Commemorative Flight

For the 90th anniversary, the commemorative flight departed from Weston Airport in Dublin at 10:16 AM and successfully landed at Bristol Airport. The journey took approximately two hours and forty minutes, cruising at a speed of around 170 km/h.

The aircraft was piloted by Captain Brendan Bruton and Captain Mark Dolan from the Aer Lingus Trust. Captain Bruton, who typically commands transatlantic widebody jets like the Airbus A330, highlighted the stark contrast between his usual highly automated flight deck and the tiny, warm cockpit of the 1936 biplane. Upon arrival, the flight was welcomed by a delegation including Bristol Airport Chief Executive Dave Lees, Aer Lingus COO Adrian Dunne, North Somerset MP Sadik Al Hassan, and Bristol City Councillor Paula O’Rourke.

Restoring the Iolar

A Meticulous Four-Month Project

The aircraft flown for the anniversary, registered EI-ABI, is a sister aircraft to the original 1936 plane and remains one of the last de Havilland Dragons in the world. Acquired by Aer Lingus in the 1960s, it was previously restored for the airline’s 50th anniversary in 1986 and had recently been on static display at the airline’s maintenance headquarters at Dublin Airport.

Ahead of the 2026 milestone, the aircraft underwent a meticulous four-month restoration by Midland Aviation at Abbeyshrule Aerodrome in County Longford. Supported by Aer Lingus volunteers and the Aer Lingus Charitable Foundation, the team utilized archival research, engineering expertise, and traditional craftsmanship to preserve the lightweight plywood and fabric structure.

“The restoration of Iolar is a powerful way for us to reconnect with the very beginnings of our airline 90 years ago and the pioneering spirit that shaped Irish aviation,” stated Lynne Embleton, Aer Lingus Chief Executive Officer, in the company’s release.

Industry Context and Future Growth

The Vital Dublin-Bristol Connection

The Dublin-Bristol route remains a crucial link for business and leisure travelers. According to the provided research, it is currently the second most used service at Bristol Airport. Since 2022, Aer Lingus Regional, operated exclusively by Emerald Airlines, has flown over 10,000 flights between Bristol-Dublin and Bristol-Cork, carrying more than 550,000 passengers.

“It’s such a special day, as Bristol was the very first route for Aer Lingus before it expanded… it’s fitting to see this beautifully restored aircraft take to the skies again over Bristol where its journey began,” remarked Dave Lees, Chief Executive of Bristol Airport.

AirPro News analysis

We observe that Aer Lingus’s 90th-anniversary celebrations strategically coincide with its aggressive transatlantic expansion. Just two days prior to the anniversary flight, on May 25, 2026, the airline launched its first-ever nonstop service between Dublin and Pittsburgh.

Furthermore, the recent announcement of expanded routes to Indianapolis for 2026 underscores a massive leap from a single regional route in 1936 to a formidable global network today. The juxtaposition of flying a 1936 biplane while simultaneously launching new North-American routes effectively highlights the carrier’s heritage while marketing its modern capabilities and future ambitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What aircraft did Aer Lingus use for its 90th anniversary?
Aer Lingus used a newly restored 1936 de Havilland DH.84 Dragon, named Iolar, which is a sister aircraft to the one used on its inaugural flight.

When was the original Aer Lingus inaugural flight?
The original flight took place on May 27, 1936, flying from Baldonnel Aerodrome in Dublin to Bristol Airport.

How long did the 2026 commemorative flight take?
The 2026 flight took approximately two hours and forty minutes, cruising at around 170 km/h.

Sources: Aer Lingus