Dublin Airport will have its busiest Christmas on record this year with approximately 1,171,000 people expected to travel through the airport between December 20 and January 3.
The number of people expected to pass through the airport between those dates is 3% higher than the figure for the same period last year, making Christmas 2019 the busiest Christmas in the airport's 79-year history, according to Dublin Airport spokesperson Siobhán O'Donnell.
"A Truly Magical Place At Christmas Time"
In a statement on Dublin Airport's website, O'Donnell said, "Friday December 20 is expected to be the busiest day before Christmas, with over 90,000 passengers due to arrive and depart through both terminals, while Friday December 27 is expected to be the busiest day after Christmas, particularly with passengers heading to winter sun and skiing destinations.
"Dublin Airport is a truly magical place at Christmas time, with many wonderful, emotional family reunions at arrivals in Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
"Over the years, we have had a number of Christmas marriage proposals, and every year we have grandparents seeing their grandchildren in the flesh for the first time, whether that be Irish emigrants returning home or people from overseas visiting their family here in Ireland. Increasingly, those waiting to meet their loved ones at Dublin Airport are entering into the spirit of Christmas by dressing up and making signs to welcome family and friends."
Advise For Passengers
Dublin Airport has advised passengers to arrive in the terminal building at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time, irrespective of whether they are checking in online or at the airport. Passengers flying long-haul are advised to consult their airline's website for check-in times.
Dublin Airport has also advised passengers to allow extra time to get to the airport in the event of road congestion to ensure that they comply with check-in and airport security regulations.
O'Donnell added, "Many passengers take a lot of care and time to wrap Christmas gifts for family and friends overseas. We would ask them not to wrap these gifts, otherwise they may be disappointed if they are requested to open them at the passenger security screening area.
"Dublin Airport will have additional customer care staff and our Fáilte Abhaile/Welcome Volunteers, members of the local community and retirees from the aviation industry, on duty over the Christmas season to ensure passengers have an efficient and smooth journey through the airport. We would also ask passengers to prepare for security screening by removing their outer jacket, belts, keys, coins and laptops from cases so that security searches are kept to a minimum."
© 2019 Hospitality Ireland – your source for the latest industry news. Article by Dave Simpson. Click subscribe to sign up for the Hospitality Ireland print edition.
