Dublin Airport sets new record; receives 2.6 mln passengers

A record-breaking 29.6 million passengers travelled through Dublin Airport last year, a 6 per cent increase considering the previous year. A significant increase in long-haul traffic and a robust performance from continental European routes were the main elements of the rise.

Photo Courtesy: Dublin Airport

About 27.8 million passengers started or ended their journey at Dublin last year, while 1.8 million passengers used Dublin Airport as a hub. Dublin Airport has flights to 191 destinations in 42 countries operated by 47 airlines and is now the 11th largest airport within the European Union.

Short-haul traffic increased by 4 per cent to 25.3 million, while long-haul passenger numbers increased by 19 per cent to 4.3 million. Dublin Airport beat its previous passenger record, which was set in 2016, by almost 1.7 million.

The European market delivered the largest growth in volume terms during 2017. Passenger traffic to and from continental Europe, which is the Airport’s largest market segment, has increased 7 per cent to a record 15.2 million. About 940,000 additional people took flights between Dublin and continental European destinations last year.

“The continued growth at Dublin Airport is fantastic news for the Irish economy. Increased air connectivity boosts tourism, trade and foreign direct investment. Last year’s record performance for visitor numbers across the island of Ireland was underpinned by the growth in passenger numbers at Dublin,” said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison.

This year will see Dublin Airport welcome its first direct service to Asia Pacific as Cathay Pacific launches its new Dublin-Hong Kong service in June.