‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse… except at Dublin Airport, where preparations were underway for the annual Christmas Day tradition: the “blessing of the planes.”
Dublin Airport, Ireland’s busiest airport, observes a rare closure on December 25, a day when planes remain grounded. However, rather than taking a day off, the airport authorities utilize the break for a significant ritual — blessing the planes for the festive season.
Graeme McQueen, media relations manager for daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, shared with CNN that this annual blessing ceremony has a history dating back to 1947. Originally, the blessing involved Aer Lingus aircraft, all of which are named after saints.
“In 1947, the blessing took place each summer, but from 1967 onwards, with the airport getting busier, it has taken place on Christmas Day, which is the only day of the year that Dublin Airport is closed,” explained McQueen.
While initially focused on Aer Lingus planes, the tradition has evolved, and now, even budget carrier Ryanair’s planes receive this holy attention. The ceremony has become ecumenical and covers the general fleet.
Ireland, being predominantly Catholic, reflects its religious traditions in this annual event. Approximately 69% of the population in the 2022 census identified as Catholic.
In recent years, Father Desmond “Des” Doyle, the chaplain in residence at the airport’s church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, has conducted the blessing. The church is conveniently situated between the two terminals, and the airport also provides a multi-faith prayer room in Terminal 2.
Photographs shared on social media depict Father Doyle carrying a chalice of holy water onto the airfield, accompanied by another priest and airport police. In the past, planes were individually blessed, but the airport’s current bustling activity makes it impractical. With a staggering 30.2 million passengers passing through the airport in 2022, marking an almost 250% increase from the previous year, Father Doyle now performs a general blessing from the airfield.
Father Doyle himself is well-acquainted with travel and Dublin Airport. Born in Rush, located 12 miles northeast of the airport, he was serving in Newport Beach, California, when he was recalled to serve as the airport chaplain in 2008.
This unique tradition brings a touch of spiritual grace to Dublin Airport, allowing both passengers and staff to participate in a festive ritual as the planes are blessed for the journeys that await in the new year.