Passenger cap means 'subdued' figure of 1.4m will pass through Dublin Airport over Christmas

Eva Osborne

More than 1.4 million passengers are set to travel through Dublin Airport this Christmas, but Dublin Airport said this figure is "more subdued than normal" due to the impact of the passenger cap.

Around 90,000 fewer passengers will travel this Christmas compared to last year, due to airlines not being able to add extra services on popular routes as they typically would at this time of year to cater for demand.

The airport is expecting to welcome an average of 80,000 passengers every day between Wednesday, December 18th, and Sunday, January 5th.

The busiest day in the run up to Christmas will be Friday, December 20th, with Friday when around 93,000 passengers will move through the airport's two terminals, December 27th set to be the busiest day post-Christmas when around 97,000 passengers are set to pass through.

Dublin Airport’s passengers advice remains to arrive two hours in advance of a short-haul flight and three hours in advance of a long-haul flight.

Media relations manager at Dublin Airport, Graeme McQueen, 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.

"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."