Travelbiz E-Zine
11
March
2025

Dublin Airport expecting lower St Patrick’s week numbers due to the passenger cap

#Traveltradetogether

The number of people travelling to Ireland for St Patrick’s weekend will be lower this year due to the passenger cap, according to Dublin Airport operator daa.

This follows a quieter than usual Cheltenham Festival week where numbers flying out of Dublin Airport to enjoy the annual horse racing festival in the UK are also down due to the cap on slots for airlines this winter.

While news of restricted numbers this St Patrick’s Day weekend will come as a disappointment to hotels, bars, tourism operators and retail businesses all around the country, big numbers are still expected to travel through Dublin Airport – the country’s main international gateway – over the coming days.

The St Patrick’s Day period is one of the pinnacles of Ireland’s tourism year when many high net-worth visitors, many of them from North America and Asia, arrive here for extended breaks in Dublin and all around the country.

Commentary:

According to Graeme McQueen, Media Relations Manager at daa, the operator of Dublin Airport: “Between tomorrow (Wednesday) and next Tuesday, we’re expecting to welcome around 400,000 passengers. The same period last year saw us welcome more than 410,000 passengers, so it’s clear that the cap is having an impact. 

“Our departure gates will still be busy this week, with thousands of racing fans making the short trip to Cheltenham for the annual horse racing festival, while many others will avail of the long bank holiday weekend to enjoy a city break or spring trip overseas. Our arrivals halls will be busy too with tens of thousands of tourists arriving from all over the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day here in Ireland. 

“Numbers coming to Ireland for St Patrick’s Day will be a little more subdued this year due to the passenger cap, which is currently limiting the number of flights that airlines can operate, while the number of people heading to Cheltenham this week is also down due to airlines not being able to operate as many flights as a result of the cap, which is resulting in higher air fares.

“Passengers travelling through Terminal 1 and eyeing a pre-flight drink are in for a treat with the opening this week of our brand new “Arthur Guinness Bar”, which is located just beyond the duty-free section in T1. Just like the old Guinness bar in T1, which served more pints of the black stuff on a daily basis than any other pub in Ireland, the new unit is already proving to be a big hit with passengers. 

“We can’t wait to welcome everyone over the coming days and would remind all passengers travelling to heed our advice to be at the airport two hours before a short-haul flight and three hours prior to a long-haul flight. Passengers should also prepare for security in advance of getting to the airport, ensuring that any liquids and gels in their hand luggage are 100ml or less and enclosed in a clear plastic bag. Following these rules will help prevent unnecessary delays when travelling through the airport,” said McQueen.

Subscribe to our E-Zine

    More

    from latest edition

    Maldives Madness Continues! Two More Roadshow Superstars Are Finalists!
    18th June 2025

    Maldives Madness Continues! Two More Roadshow Superstars Are Finalists!

    You can almost feel the warm Maldivian breeze, can't you?! The drumroll continues as we reveal our latest two brilliant agents who are now firmly in the running for that TSN ultimate Beach Pool ...

    Read more
    35% off ALL Cruises with NCL😍 Book today!
    18th June 2025

    35% off ALL Cruises with NCL😍 Book today!

    35% off ALL Cruises with NCL😍 Book today!

    Read more
    Qatar Airways is named the World’s Best Airline at the 2025 World Airline Awards
    17th June 2025

    Qatar Airways is named the World’s Best Airline at the 2025 World Airline Awards

    The 2025 World Airline Awards have been announced in a gala ceremony held on the 17th June 2025 at Paris Air Show, in the Air and Space Museum at the fabulous art deco Hall of Eight Columns of L...

    Read more
    Choose Chicago Launches New Community-Driven Marketing Campaign
    17th June 2025

    Choose Chicago Launches New Community-Driven Marketing Campaign

    Launching ahead of IPW 2025, the “Never Done. Never Outdone.” campaign is an invitation to experience a Chicago that is endlessly creative, relentlessly driven, and always ready to surprise you....

    Read more
    Irish Travel Trade Loving Chicago!
    17th June 2025

    Irish Travel Trade Loving Chicago!

    The Windy City is buzzing as IPW 2025 kicks off in style—and the Irish travel trade is right at the heart of it! Last night’s spectacular launch event set the tone for what promises to be a reco...

    Read more
    TSN Maldives Draw – Finalists 5 & 6 Join the Race for Paradise!
    17th June 2025

    TSN Maldives Draw – Finalists 5 & 6 Join the Race for Paradise!

    More Names Added to the Maldives Dream Draw! The excitement for the ultimate TSN Maldives getaway continues to build! Travelbiz is thrilled to share the latest update on the TSN Prize Draw, with...

    Read more