Christmas is a time for family, celebrations, and a pause in the daily grind for many industries. In aviation, however, the concept of taking a full break is somewhat rare due to the global demand for air travel. While many airlines and airports run at reduced capacity during the festive season, there are specific airlines and airports that either scale down operations dramatically or shut down altogether on Christmas Day.
If you’re planning to travel during this time, it’s essential to know which airlines and airports may not be operating, so you’re not left stranded or frustrated by unexpected cancelations or delays. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at which airlines and airports have a “holiday hiatus” on Christmas Day. We’ll also explore how you can prepare in advance if you’re planning to fly on or around December 25th. Let’s get right into it!
Airlines that don’t operate on Christmas Day
While most international airlines keep a limited service running on Christmas Day, some opt for a full shutdown. This decision is usually driven by cultural or religious factors, staffing considerations, or simply lower demand for flights during this period. Below are some of the key airlines that suspend operations on Christmas Day, according to Gate Checked.
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Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus, Ireland’s national airline, generally scales down operations on Christmas Day. The airline’s approach aligns with the Christmas traditions in Ireland, where the holiday is widely celebrated, and many businesses, including transportation, operate at a reduced capacity.
Aer Lingus
- IATA/ICAO Code
-
EI/EIN
- Year Founded
-
1938
- CEO
-
Lynne Embleton
This means that passengers flying in and out of Ireland on December 25th may face fewer options, especially for short-haul flights to nearby European destinations. If you’re planning to fly with Aer Lingus around Christmas, it’s a good idea to check your flight status well in advance. Booking early or flying on December 24th or 26th can help avoid any potential disruption to your holiday plans.
Jet2
Popular British low-cost leisure airline Jet2 does not operate flights on Christmas Day. The airline primarily serves holiday destinations across Europe, and with demand for travel generally lower on December 25th, Jet2 halts all flight operations. This gives passengers and airline staff the opportunity to observe the holiday, a common practice for many UK-based companies.
Photo: Photofex_AUT | Shutterstock
Since Jet2 is primarily focused on leisure travel, the Christmas Day suspension of flights aligns with reduced demand from tourists and holiday-goers. Travelers looking to fly with Jet2 on routes to destinations such as Spain, Greece, and Portugal will find no availability on December 25th, though service usually resumes on Boxing Day, December 26th.
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For those planning a holiday getaway around Christmas, it’s important to book flights either before or after the holiday to avoid disruption. Booking early around these peak holiday travel dates is advised, as flights may fill up quickly.
PLAY Airlines
Iceland’s low-cost airline, PLAY, operates a similarly reduced schedule on Christmas Day. Like Aer Lingus, this is partly due to Iceland’s cultural observance of the holiday, as Christmas is a time of family gatherings and public holidays across the country.
Photo: Wirestock Creators | Shutterstock
If you’re flying with PLAY around the Christmas period, checking your flight status ahead of time is crucial. Planning your flights around December 24th or 26th can help avoid delays or cancelations due to the reduced schedule on Christmas Day. And as with many low-cost airlines, booking early can help secure the best fares around the holiday season.
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Ryanair
The budget airline Ryanair opts to cancel all flights on Christmas Day, providing their staff with a much-needed break after a busy year of travel. Despite their “no-frills” approach, Ryanair values family time during the holiday season.
Travelers flying to or from Europe should plan ahead, especially if they’re booking low-cost flights, and be aware that services won’t resume until December 26th.
Airports that are shut on Christmas Day
While almost all airports around the world continue to operate on Christmas Day to meet the holiday travel demand, there is one notable exception: Ireland’s Dublin Airport. Unlike most major international airports that remain open, Dublin Airport fully shuts down on December 25th.
Photo: Croatorum | Shutterstock
This means no flights are scheduled to depart or arrive on Christmas Day, giving both the airport staff and travelers a break for the holiday. However, nearly every other major airport across Europe, North America, and other regions stays operational to accommodate passengers traveling to visit loved ones or take advantage of holiday getaways.
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For most travelers, the skies are still open, even on Christmas, so planning ahead is key if Dublin Airport is part of your journey. According to Ireland Family Vacations, Shannon Airport is an alternative if you’re looking to fly into and out of Ireland on Christmas Day.
Photo: Shannon Airport
The airport has traditionally been the only airport in Ireland to remain open on Christmas Day. In previous years, they’ve even gone as far as ‘decorating’ the runway to resemble a Christmas tree.
Tips for travelers flying around Christmas Day
If you’re flying around the Christmas holiday, here are a few things you can do to ensure a smooth journey.
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- Book early: Flights around the holiday season are often in high demand. If you know that certain airlines or airports shut down operations on Christmas Day, book your travel as early as possible to secure a seat on the desired date.
- Confirm your flight status: Even if you’re not flying on Christmas Day, check your flight status to ensure that weather or other operational issues haven’t caused delays or cancelations.
- Be flexible: Having some flexibility in your travel plans can help you avoid unnecessary stress. If your chosen airline doesn’t operate on Christmas Day, try to adjust your departure or arrival by a day or two.
- Have a backup plan: If your flight gets canceled or you experience unexpected delays, have a backup plan in place. This could include booking a hotel room near the airport or having an alternative mode of transportation lined up.
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While many airlines and airports scale down their operations during Christmas, a handful of airlines and airports take the opportunity to close completely, allowing their staff and crew a much-needed break. As a traveler, it’s important to stay informed about these closures to avoid any disruptions during your holiday journey. With some careful planning and flexibility, you can still travel safely and comfortably during the festive season.