Dublin and Cork Airports Experience Record-Breaking July

July 2023 marked a historic milestone for both Cork and Dublin airports, with record passenger numbers reported. Cork Airport welcomed approximately 378,000 passengers, representing a 15% increase compared to the same month in the previous year. Meanwhile, Dublin Airport recorded an impressive 3.75 million passengers, a rise of 6.9% from July 2022.

In a noteworthy trend, each day in July saw more than 100,000 passengers utilizing Dublin Airport, with over 120,000 passengers arriving and departing on 17 separate days during the month. The surge in passenger traffic, according to the airport operator daa, can be attributed to a combination of high tourist activity and a significant number of Irish residents traveling abroad for holidays.

Efforts to maintain efficient operations were evident, with 95% of passengers clearing security in under 20 minutes. The peak day for Dublin Airport was recorded on July 27, when 126,620 passengers traversed its terminals.

Future Projections and Capacity Concerns

Dublin Airport is on pace to exceed 11 million passengers during the peak summer months of 2023. Cumulatively, 7.3 million passengers used the airport in June and July alone. This surge has prompted Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, to advocate for the lifting of the current passenger cap, which he deems “outdated.” The cap, set at 32 million passengers, was a stipulation of the planning permission for Terminal 2 granted in 2007.

Jacobs emphasized the pressing need for the government to address this limitation, stating, “The growing numbers are a stark reminder of the fallacy of having an outdated cap on passenger numbers and of the need for the government to follow through on its commitment to do ‘whatever we can’ to remove the needless restriction.” He projected that Dublin Airport might see as many as 36.2 million passengers by the end of the year, exceeding prior forecasts.

The issue of the passenger cap has been a topic of discussion among government officials, with Taoiseach Micheál Martin previously asserting that it is “imperative” for the cap to be lifted. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien confirmed in June that legal options provided by the Attorney General are being explored, though he acknowledged that none are straightforward.

Developments at Cork Airport

Cork Airport has also seen significant developments alongside its record passenger numbers. Planning permission has recently been granted for an additional 670 long-term parking spaces, addressing the growing demand. Additionally, a new solar farm is set to be constructed over the Holiday Blue car park, which is projected to supply up to 25% of the airport’s electricity needs.

Jacobs remarked, “It’s a clear example of how a local authority can support its airport as a strategic asset—not just in terms of sustainability, but by enabling the conditions for jobs, investment, and long-term regional growth.”

As both airports continue to adapt and grow, the focus remains on how to effectively manage increasing passenger numbers while ensuring operational efficiency and sustainability.