Cork Airport Tuesday 15 September welcomed a very special visitor as the Aer Lingus de Havilland DH.84 Dragon “Iolar” paid a courtesy visit marking the airline’s 90th anniversary celebrations and the airport’s 65th anniversary year. Aer Lingus flight EI1936 touched down shortly after 1100, under the command of Captain Garret Brady and was welcomed with a special escort from the runway to the parking stand by Cork Airport Police & Fire Service.
Aer Lingus Chief Operating Officer, Adrian Dunne stated “As Aer Lingus and Cork Airport mark major milestones in their histories, it is particularly special to bring the Iolar to Cork and showcase this iconic piece of Ireland’s aviation heritage to colleagues, customers and aviation enthusiasts.” added: “As Aer Lingus and Cork Airport mark major milestones in their histories, it is particularly special to bring the Iolar to Cork and showcase this iconic piece of Ireland’s aviation heritage to colleagues, customers and aviation enthusiasts.”
Cork Airport General Manager – Operations, Safety, IT and Facilities Darran Dineen, said “This is truly a unique and historic visit today as we welcome the Aer Lingus “Iolar” – the fourth such occasion that the aircraft has visited Cork Airport. It’s a doubly special occasion for the visit as Aer Lingus celebrates its 90th anniversary, Cork Airport is marking its 65th year. Aer Lingus is our longest standing airline customer, having a presence here since 1961 and we’re especially proud to join in the celebration with Aer Lingus’ Cork-based staff, marking the 90th anniversary of the airline.”
The Aer Lingus de Havilland EI-ABI DH.84 “Iolar” is an exact replica of the very first aircraft that flew the airline’s first ever route from Baldonnell in Dublin to Bristol’s Whitchurch airport in May 1936. Carrying five passengers on its inaugural flight, the journey took three hours, cruising at an average speed of 110 mph (177 km/h). This is fourth such occasion that the aircraft has visited Cork Airport.
The “Iolar” is one of only three known examples of the de Havilland DH.84 Dragon that are still flying anywhere in the world today. As part of the celebrations, staff from Cork Airport and Aer Lingus had the opportunity to enjoy a series of scenic flights over Cork city and Cork harbour, experiencing the beauty of the region from an altitude of just 2,000 feet.
Image Credit: Cork Airport
Irish Aviation Research Institute © 16 September 2026 All Rights Reserved
