DUBLIN Airport are set to welcome 1.4 million people through their gates over the festive period.
However, these figures are down from recent years as a result of the passenger cap which has prevented airlines adding additional services.
The airport are expecting to welcome around 90,000 fewer passengers over the festive period as to not exceed the 32 million cap imposed on Dublin Airport.
The airport has been fighting its case to the local council to get this cap, set in 2007, raised to 40 million.
The airport are expecting 80,000 passengers to pass through the airport between December 18, 2024 and January 5, 2025.
And airport bosses have revealed December 20 is set to be the busiest day this side of Christmas with 93,000 set to pass through the airport.
READ MORE ON DUBLIN AIRPORT
December 27 will be the busiest post-Christmas day with 97,000 travellers making their way through the airport.
The airport will close on Christmas day with just the airport’s Fire and Rescue and Airport Police remaining on duty.
Passengers headed through the airport are in for a treat over the coming weeks with dozens of local choirs set to perform in the terminals.
And ahead of the busy period Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at Dublin Airport, said: “As the festive season approaches, Dublin Airport becomes a gateway for families, friends and loved ones to reunite. The airport team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and festive experience for everyone passing through our doors.
“The next couple of weeks will be busy in the terminals, but the airport team is looking forward to making your experience as seamless as possible. As always in the days leading up to Christmas we will have lots of music and entertainment in our Arrivals Halls to give people the festive feels when reuniting with their loved ones.
“Christmas is a magical time at Dublin Airport and the team has been working hard since early Summer to put together our most expansive musical programme to date.”
He continued: “Starting from today, more than 40 schools, choirs, and local acts will perform in the terminals, culminating on Christmas Eve, with a very special performance by the Dublin Gospel Choir.
“The days leading up to Christmas will also see a number of live radio and TV broadcasts at Dublin Airport and we also have Cork’s singing superstar Allie Sherlock singing in T1 and T2 every Friday in December.
“Dublin Airport’s Christmas programme got underway last week when its special Christmas Roadshow, featuring dancing elves and a singing Santa Claus, visited more than 3,000 kids in 11 schools in local communities near the airport.
“For those travelling home for Christmas, we know how special this time of year is and whether you’re reuniting with loved ones or bringing holiday cheer to those near and far, we wish you a safe, smooth, and joyful journey.
And he added: “While the passenger cap is holding back numbers flying this Christmas, it won’t restrict the high levels of festive spirit and emotion that is synonymous with Dublin Airport at this time of year.”
CHRISTMAS TRAVEL ADVICE
Airport bosses have issued some important travel advice for anyone jetting off or jetting home over this festive period.
The time-frame for arriving for flights remains the same over the busy period.
Passengers should arrive two hours in advance of a short-haul flight and three hours in advance of a long-haul flight.
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