The popular Kinsale Aviation Festival is set to return for its sixth edition on Saturday, 28th November 2026, bringing together airline executives, aviation regulators, remarkable flight crews and aviation enthusiasts for an evening of stories and discussion in the heart of West Cork.
Hosted at the Trident Hotel in Kinsale, this year’s festival promises a diverse programme featuring senior industry leaders alongside pilots involved in some of aviation’s most extraordinary missions.
Leading the line-up is Ken O’Toole, Group CEO of Manchester Airports Group, who will discuss the operation of Manchester, London Stansted and East Midlands airports. Together, the three airports handled a record 66 million passengers in 2025, making the conversation particularly relevant as European aviation continues to grow.
Festival attendees will also hear from Eamonn Brennan, former Director General of Eurocontrol and former Chief Executive of the Irish Aviation Authority. Brennan is one of Ireland’s most respected aviation figures and is expected to provide valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing European aviation in the years ahead.
For those drawn to aviation adventure, the festival will feature the pilots behind a remarkable Arctic expedition in Antonov An-2 biplanes. The crew will share first-hand accounts of flying the rugged aircraft to the Arctic, offering a unique perspective on one of the more unusual aviation journeys undertaken in recent years.
Adding a humanitarian dimension to the programme, the festival’s Outstanding Achievement Award will recognise the crews of the Orbis Flying Eye Hospital. The aircraft is the world’s only fully accredited ophthalmic teaching hospital carried aboard an aircraft and has helped provide specialist eye care and training in countries across the globe.
The Kinsale Aviation Festival has built a reputation for combining high-profile industry speakers with inspiring aviation stories in an intimate setting. With just 130 seats available, organisers are encouraging early booking to avoid disappointment.
Tickets are priced between €20 and €55, with dinner packages available. The event takes place at the Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork.
More information, ticket bookings and programme updates are available at kinsaleaviationfestival.ie.
Event Details
Kinsale Aviation Festival 2026
Date: Saturday, 28th November 2026
Venue: Trident Hotel, Kinsale, Co. Cork
Tickets: €20 to €55
Capacity: 130 seats
