Aviation is a 24 hours per day, seven days a week operation, which means it’s all go all the time. People and cargo have to get where they’re going so most facilities don’t close.
There are some major airports that do have a shutdown period at certain times of the year. When I first found out about this, I was quite surprised, but it really is a thing.
Airports in Ireland Close for Christmas
Strangely enough, some airports in Ireland close at Christmas time. Traditionally, this is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, so it’s interesting that this occurs at all.
We’re not talking minor regional airports here either. Dublin Airport is completely closed on 25 December. This is a major capital city airport, almost in the Top 10 for passengers carried in the whole of Europe!
Cork Airport also shuts down on the same day. I’d love to know when this came about, because it’s been happening for years. Interestingly though, it’s not country wide. Shannon Airport remains open every day, which is probably a good thing since the other two major airports aren’t available.
Overall Thoughts
Having an airport close on Christmas Day is wonderful for anyone involved in working with the airport. From the bus drivers getting people to and from the facility, to the check-in staff, caterers, baggage handlers and general office staff, everyone gets to spend the day with family and friends.
Even so, it is a bit of an unusual tradition, which as far as I know only happens at these two airports in Ireland. I had always assumed all airports stayed open all the time, so it was a surprise when I found this out.
What do you think of these airports closing for a day at Christmas? Do you know of any other airports around the world that do the same thing? I’d be interested to know. Thank you for reading and if you have any comments or questions, please leave them below.
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Featured image by Piotr Tadeusz via Wikimedia Commons.
Dublin Terminal 2 by Doyler79 via Wikimedia Commons.
As late as the early 1980’s, British Airways did not operate flights on Christmas. US carriers did but often fares were lower that day due to less demand.
Interesting, I didn’t know that! Thanks for that 🙂