Annual Christmas blessing of the planes at Dublin Airport will go ahead amid fears it might have to end

The annual blessing of the planes will go ahead at Dublin Airport this Christmas following fears it might have to end.

Earlier this month it was reported the long-running tradition was to be scrapped due to new security protocols on the runway introduced in January.

daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, said previously that airside access to airport operations was to be restricted other than in exceptional circumstances, but that it was working on a new approach to facilitating the traditional Christmas blessing of the planes.

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Now, in a turn of events, the 77th blessing of the planes will continue because the chaplain of the Catholic Church at the airport, Fr Des Doyle, has undergone the same Garda security clearance process as daa employees who require airside access.

This enables him to be airside "to counsel passengers and employees as well as perform other activities, including the traditional blessing of the planes".

In a statement on Friday morning, daa confirmed the traditional Christmas blessing of the planes will continue. The daa also said it is “aware other groups are also interested in performing blessings".

“daa is aware that other groups are also interested in performing blessings. daa respects all faiths and provides a multi-faith prayer room in Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport, providing people of all faiths, religions and spirituality with a sanctuary to retreat to when visiting the airport,” the statement read.

The daa also said it is “happy to engage with any other faith representative that wishes to perform religious or secular blessings at the airport”. These will take place landside in accordance with the aviation regulator’s security protocols.

"daa is always looking to the future, but we respect tradition as well,” Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa said.

“Safety is paramount in the aviation industry and Fr Des’s security clearance has enabled him to support the spiritual needs of Dublin Airport employees and passengers for many years.

“The Christmas blessing is a cherished part of his ministry at the airport and we are delighted to be able to support the continuance of this 76-year tradition.

“We welcome people from all faiths and all walks of life to the airport and are committed to supporting all groups that wish to express their faith here.”

The tradition began in 1947 with the blessing of an Aer Lingus aircraft, and since 1967 has taken place on Christmas Day, when the airport is closed.

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