Irish airports have experienced a significant surge in passenger numbers this summer, defying the challenges posed by a cost-of-living crisis that is affecting consumers across the country.
In August alone, more than 3.4 million travelers passed through Dublin Airport, while 308,000 passengers arrived and departed from Cork Airport.
Despite concerns about the strain on household budgets, the demand for travel remains robust in the coming weeks and months. As the peak summer season draws to a close with the return to school, September is anticipated to maintain a high level of activity as both older families and young couples embark on journeys to savor the autumn sun, according to Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, the operator of Dublin Airport.
Furthermore, business travel is expected to sustain its momentum in the months ahead.
The latest data released by daa reveals that Dublin Airport has witnessed a remarkable increase in passenger traffic, with approximately 12% more passengers passing through its gates in the first eight months of this year compared to the same period last year. The total number of passengers traveling through the airport from January to August reached 22 million, with nearly half of them choosing to travel during the bustling summer months of June, July, and August.
In parallel, Cork Airport saw nearly 890,000 passengers traveling to and from its terminals during the months of June, July, and August.