Dublin and Cork Airports Report 11% Surge in November Passengers

November marked a remarkable month for both Dublin and Cork airports, with combined passenger volumes reaching over 2.8 million, reflecting an 11% increase compared to the same month last year. This surge, reported by state airport operator daa, underscores the continued recovery and growing demand for air travel in Ireland.

Both airports saw a significant influx of travelers on Sunday, November 2, which became the busiest day of the month. The heightened activity was driven primarily by families and holidaymakers returning from mid-term breaks and visits to friends and relatives abroad.

Cork Airport’s Performance and New Routes

Cork Airport welcomed 214,790 passengers in November, marking a 7% increase from the same month in 2024. The airport’s winter schedule has taken off robustly, with enhanced services to key European destinations. Notably, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines expanded its operations from two to three daily flights to Amsterdam Schiphol. Similarly, Air France transitioned its summer-only service to Paris Charles de Gaulle into a year-round offering. Additionally, Aer Lingus launched a new route to Prague in late October, which has already shown promising performance.

Dublin Airport’s Record Numbers and Community Impact

Dublin Airport experienced an identical 11% increase in passenger numbers, accommodating just over 2.6 million travelers in November. The airport saw more than 100,000 passengers on ten separate days throughout the month, a significant rise from a single day achieving this milestone in November 2024.

Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, stated, “There is no let-up in the record demand for flights to and from our island as the year draws to a close. This bodes well for the new National Tourism Strategy published this week, which aims to grow inbound visitor numbers by 15% by 2031.” He emphasized the essential roles both airports will play in actualizing this vision for Ireland.

The CEO also highlighted the pressing need to address capacity constraints at Dublin Airport, voicing support for the government’s efforts to enhance direct air connectivity to less accessible tourism markets, particularly in Asia and South America. “We know there is huge pent-up demand for direct Dublin to India and Brazil services,” Jacobs added, commending the government for progressing legislation to resolve these issues.

Dublin Airport’s vibrant atmosphere was further highlighted by heartwarming moments, including the return of 274 Irish Defence Forces members from tours in Lebanon. The airport also welcomed local leaders, including Mayor of Fingal Tom O’Leary, who participated in an initiative celebrating the airport’s 85th anniversary. This initiative provides €2 million for educational and wellbeing projects benefitting communities in North Dublin and East Meath.

The temporary renaming of Dublin Airport to Troy Parrott International Airport for a day also captured public attention, generating over a million views and a quarter of a million likes on social media channels.

As the holiday season approaches, teams at both Dublin and Cork airports are preparing to ensure a seamless travel experience for passengers. With continued growth and community engagement, the future looks bright for Ireland’s busiest airports.