First Irish Commercial Flight Takes Off

July 17, 1936

Aer Lingus launched its first commercial flight service, operating a six-seater De Havilland 84 Dragon from Dublin's Baldonnel Airfield to Bristol. The pioneering flight marked Ireland's entry into the commercial aviation age, with only one pilot, one crew member, and five passengers aboard. This historic journey laid the foundation for Ireland's future as an important hub for international air travel.