Irish airports are preparing for hundreds of thousands of passengers over what will be its busiest ever Christmas in 2025.
Daily forecasts are for over 110,000 passengers on 19 December and over 115,000 passengers on 28 December. Ryanair have added 26,500 extra seats across Irish airports for the season.
In England the Civil Aviation Authority forecasted the busiest Christmas air travel period on record as passenger numbers approached 300m for the full year.
Dublin Airport shared in a written statement: passengers advice for Christmas passengers is to arrive two hours in advance of a short-haul flight and three hours in advance of a long-haul flight.
Passengers can look forward to a smooth security experience with around 95% of passengers this year having passed through screening in 20 minutes or under.
Passengers are reminded that they no longer need to remove liquids of electronics from their hand luggage when going through security screening, with the old 100ml or under limit for liquids and gels having been lifted following the roll-out of new scanning technology in both terminals.
The changes mean that, for the first time ever, snow globes can be taken in their hand luggage this Christmas. The removal of the 100ml limit will also make it easier to take gifts such as cosmetics and alcohol in their hand luggage, however, they are reminded NOT to wrap any gifts in hand luggage as they may be required to open them when going through security.
Kenny Jacobs shared “December will be a very busy and important month for us at our Irish airports as we facilitate the journeys of millions of passengers coming home for Christmas.”
Graeme McQueen, spokesperson for Dublin Airport shared “We want to make it extra special for those arriving into Ireland for Christmas, so the team have pulled out all of the stops to make the terminals extra-Christmassy and to put together a festive programme of entertainment that will run right up until Christmas Eve.” While our terminals are going to be busy over the festive period, the airport team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and festive experience for everyone passing through.”
Christmas is a magical time at Dublin Airport and we can’t wait to welcome the record numbers that will be travelling this year. Our arrivals halls will once again be filled with emotion as families and loved ones reunite for the festive period.
“We want to make it extra special for those arriving into Ireland for Christmas, so the team have pulled out all of the stops to make the terminals extra-Christmassy and to put together a festive programme of entertainment that will run right up until Christmas Eve. Starting from this Wednesday (December 10), more than 40 schools, choirs, and local acts will perform on specially installed Christmas stages in the arrivals halls in both 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, including RTE’s 2Fm Breakfast Show and Virgin Media’s Ireland AM, and we also have a number of well-known performers lined up to play in the terminals including Cork’s singing superstar Allie Sherlock and Dublin favourites Keywest.
“While our terminals are going to busy over the festive period, the airport team is dedicated to ensuring a smooth and festive experience for everyone passing through. 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,”
