- Aer Lingus de Havilland Dragon sister of original Aer Lingus aircraft returns to Cork Airport
- Event celebrates Aer Lingus 90th anniversary and Cork Airport 65th year
- Replica known as Iolar is one of three DH84 Dragons still flying
- Original flight in 1936 carried five passengers
- Fourth time Iolar has visited Cork Airport
The Aer Lingus de Havilland DH84 Dragon replica known as the Iolar has made a historic return to Cork Airport on 15 September 2026. The special courtesy visit was arranged to celebrate a double milestone of Aer Lingus’ 90th anniversary and Cork Airport’s 65th year in operation. The aircraft is an exact replica of the very first plane to fly the inaugural Aer Lingus route from Baldonnel in Dublin to Bristol’s Whitchurch Airport in May 1936.
While the original aircraft was lost during World War II this replica joined the fleet in 1986 to celebrate the airline’s 50th anniversary. It is one of only three de Havilland DH84 Dragons still flying worldwide. In 1936 the original flight carried five passengers and took three hours at a cruising speed of 110 mph. Today a standard modern jet covers the route much faster at speeds surpassing 500 mph.
Upon landing the vintage biplane was hosted with a ceremonial escort from the Cork Airport Police and Fire Service. Airline and airport staff enjoyed scenic flights over Cork city and Cork harbour cruising at a low altitude of 2,000 feet. This event marks the fourth time the Iolar has visited Cork Airport emphasising a relationship that began when the airline first established a presence there in 1961.
