Passenger numbers at Dublin Airport has passed 20 million this year - the first time since 2009 that the 20 million milestone has been surpassed. The Republic of Ireland’s largest airport welcomed its 20 millionth passenger in the final week of last year after the airport added an extra one million passengers during 2013. Further growth is expected in 2014 as more than ten new routes are introduced, including the news this week that United Airlines will resume a second daily Newark rotation during the peak summer months.
The surge in passenger numbers during last year was due to a number of factors. Airlines added significant extra capacity at Dublin this year - particularly on Transatlantic routes – transfer traffic at the airport expanded rapidly during the year, there was growth in traffic to the Middle East and Europe and The Gathering brought an additional marketing push for the inbound leisure sector.
Transatlantic traffic led the way during 2013, as Dublin Airport has seen an all-time record number of transatlantic passengers this year. More than 1.8 million passengers flew between Dublin and destinations in North America last year, which beats the previous all-time record of 1.79 million, set during the economic boom of 2008. The number of available seats on flights between Dublin and North America increased by more than 20 per cent during 2013, and demand for the additional capacity was clearly very strong.
According to DAA chief executive officer, Kevin Toland, Dublin Airport has had “an excellent year” in terms of passenger numbers. “We’re up almost six per cent for the year, which is our third consecutive year of passenger growth at Dublin,” he said, adding that it was particularly significant that the airport is now enjoying a sustained period of expansion in passenger numbers.
“Dublin Airport has had 16 consecutive months of traffic growth and has outperformed the European average in each of the past 14 months. Passenger growth is expected to continue into next year as we already have 15 new services confirmed for Dublin Airport in 2014, as our airline partners launch new routes to North America and Europe,” he said.
Ireland's Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport Leo Varadkar said the growth at Dublin Airport was further evidence of the strong performance of the tourism sector over the past 12 months. “This is hugely positive news and further confirms that 2013 was a really strong year for Irish tourism. Early indicators are that visitor numbers to Ireland increased by more than seven per cent during last year, and the spend by overseas visitors was up 13 per cent to €2.6 billion in the first nine months. Airline capacity increased significantly in 2013, particularly on transatlantic routes, with further increases due in 2014. The Government will continue to focus on developing new flights and routes into Ireland,” he said.
Annual passenger numbers at Dublin Airport peaked at just under 23.5 million in 2008 and fell back to 18.4 million in 2010, before beginning to grow again. At the peak of the boom in 2008, Dublin Airport’s passenger numbers included almost 850,000 passengers taking domestic flights within the Republic of Ireland.
The excellent performance in 2013 is expected to act as a platform for further growth this year with over ten new routes already announced for 2014. These comprise flights from Aer Lingus to San Francisco, Toronto, Hanover and Pula; Air Canada Rouge to Toronto; Luxair to Luxemburg; Ryanair to Lisbon, Prague, Bucharest, Basel, Marrakech, Almeria, Bari, Chania, Comiso and a first transatlantic offering from Canadian carrier WestJet from St John’s, Newfoundland.
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