As the end of the year approaches, we wonder: What happens with flights during Christmas and New Year? The reality is that most flights, especially international ones, continue to operate normally. Many people choose to fly during these dates, either to enjoy their holidays or simply to experience the festive atmosphere in-flight.
Christmas and New Year are times when many companies, businesses, and services close their doors or reduce their activities to allow employees to spend time with their loved ones. In aviation, the majority of global flights decrease, with long-haul flights being the primary ones scheduled.
It’s common on the 24th or 31st of December to check flight tracking platforms and observe that after 8:00 PM local time, there are virtually no domestic flights flying over your country. Domestic activity is reduced or suspended at night on both days, resuming on December 25th or January 1st.
Onboard Celebrations
Most flights operating on Christmas and New Year’s Eve are international or long-haul. Therefore, every year, we come across news headlines like «The flight that turned a year back» or «The plane that took off in 2024 and landed in 2023.» However, articles detailing what happens on these flights or how the celebrations unfold onboard are scarce.
It all depends on the airline’s culture. It’s essential to remember that not all nations celebrate Christmas or New Year on the same dates, as is the case in China. Nevertheless, in most parts of the world, many crews celebrate the arrival of the new year or Christmas with the passengers on their flights.
Airlines often organize special activities and events for flights during these festivities. Pilots and crew members may wear festive accessories like Christmas hats or colorful ties. Additionally, it’s not uncommon for Santa Claus or Father Christmas to make an appearance during the flight to greet the children on board.
For pilots, cabin crew, or ground personnel at an airline or airport, working during these festivities comes with a sense of detachment. It means that the affected staff won’t be with their loved ones for at least one of the two holidays.
Nevertheless, both the crew and the airline make flying during Christmas or New Year a unique experience. As the aircraft reaches midnight, wherever it may be, Christmas or the arrival of a new year is celebrated like one big family.
