The story of Donegal airport is to be celebrated in This 4-part documentary series, titled ‘Aerfort Dhún na nGall’ (Donegal Airport), takes viewers on a journey into the world of a small regional airport in Donegal, starting Thursday November 30th 8pm on TG4.
The airport has been voted the most scenic airport approach in the world and serves as a vital connection for daily commuters, business owners, students, international travellers, and Rescue 118 missions.
Filmed over 18 months from 2021 to 2022, the series provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the airport, showcasing the daily challenges faced by the airport team. These challenges include managing a rural airport, implementing stringent health and safety measures due to COVID-19, and accommodating secretive celebrity landings.
Throughout the series, viewers will meet the hardworking and accommodating airport staff, who operate on a shift pattern to ensure the airport remains operational 24/7. Despite the demanding hours, they always greet passengers with a warm smile and a bit of Donegal spirit.
The documentary focuses on the intimate stories of the passengers flying in and out of Donegal Airport. We encounter a variety of local passengers leaving the county, as well as international travelers arriving at the airport. Local taxi driver Charlie Mac plays a crucial role in transporting passengers to their final destinations. Additionally, the airport plays a significant role in providing flights for medical treatment in Dublin, helping patients and sick children. We meet Máire Uí Chomhaill, the coordinator of this service, and a patient benefiting from it.
Each episode delves into different aspects of the airport and its community.
- Episode 1 sees musician Mairéad Ní Mhaonaigh of Altan share how the airport changed her life, and Charlie Mac the taxi driver recounts his experiences with celebrities. Emotions run high as families reunite after the pandemic, and the Mullachdubh band performs at the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade.
- Episode 2 showcases the impact of COVID-19 on the airport, following a passenger traveling to Dublin for medical treatment. We also witness a 5K charity run on the airport landing strip, follow an airport intern Cathal Mac Giolla Easbuic as he prepares for six months of training in Spain, and observe a student named Leah Ní Ghairbhigh returning to DCU after her summer break.
- Episode 3, Cathal Mac Giolla Easbuic halfway through his Air Traffic Controller training in Spain. Emigrant Grace Rodgers flies in from Washington DC on a private plane, returning home to Tory Island. We also join Julio Diana as he flies to Sligo for lunch and experience the Sult Festival in Gaoth Dobhair through the eyes of music fans.
- Episode 4, Rescue 118 helicopter arrives to provide essential training to the airport staff. The airport caters to a range of passengers, including Tom Marry on his regular commute to London, lawyer Simon Gillespie attending the High Court in Dublin, and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta presenter Michelle Nic Grianna heading to a gig in Dublin.
The documentary series is funded by TG4 and Coimisiún na Meán, showcasing the unique and vital role that Donegal Airport plays in its local community and beyond.
