Passenger numbers up +7% at Cork Airport and +11% at Dublin Airport in November

2.8 million travelled through the two airports in November (+11%).

daa welcomes the government’s new action plan to accelerate infrastructure and the new national tourism strategy.

November was another record-breaking month at both Cork and Dublin airports, with the state’s two busiest airports handling more than 2.8 million passengers collectively (+11% vs Nov 24). Sunday, November 2, was the busiest day of the month in both Dublin and Cork, boosted by families and travellers returning from mid-term holidays and visits to family and friends abroad.

Cork Airport in November 

214,790 passengers travelled through Cork Airport in November, +7% versus November 2024. Cork’s winter schedule got off to a flying start with increased services to major European hubs.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines increased operations from two to three daily flights to Amsterdam Schiphol, while Air France extended their previously summer-only Paris Charles de Gaulle service to a year-round operation. The new twice-weekly Aer Lingus service to Prague, which started in late October, is already performing strongly.

Dublin Airport in November 

Dublin Airport’s passenger numbers increased by 11% in November, to just over 2.6 million. A total of 10 days saw more than 100,000 passengers passing through, compared with one 100,000-day in November 2024.

Commentary on November 

Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, said: “There is no let-up in the record demand for flights to and from our island as the year draws to a close. This bodes well for the new National Tourism Strategy published this week, which aims to grow inbound visitor numbers by +15% by 2031. Both Dublin and Cork airports have an important role to play in helping to realise this vision for Ireland.

“The recognition of the need for capacity constraints at Dublin Airport to be addressed is particularly welcome. daa is also supportive of the new strategy’s enhanced focus on direct air connectivity to less connected tourism markets, particularly Asia and South America. We know there is huge pent-up demand for direct Dublin to India and Brazil services. Resolving the cap issue is key to unlocking these routes for Ireland, and we applaud the government for progressing legislation to resolve this. daa also welcomes the government’s new action plan published yesterday to accelerate critical infrastructure projects and remove barriers to progress.

“Cork Airport’s success in attracting new routes was on show last month, with increased services to major European hubs in Amsterdam and Paris. Aer Lingus’ new Prague route is off to a strong start. Work on the ground to enhance Cork Airport is also progressing at pace, with the construction of Cork’s new mezzanine floor well underway. This will be the location of the new passenger security area, which will make travelling through the airport even more seamless than before.

“Dublin Airport’s significant 11% increase in passenger numbers last month speaks to the business of the airport, but a couple of standout moments really tell the tale of the impact of our national airport on Irish lives. Heartwarming moments included the welcome back of two troupes of Irish Defence Forces, with 274 Irish men and women returning home to their families from tours of Lebanon. We also welcomed the Mayor of Fingal Tom O’Leary and over 200 representatives of local schools and community leaders who are benefiting from Elevate ‘25. This one-off initiative, marking Dublin Airport’s 85th anniversary, provides €2 million for educational and wellbeing projects that will make a lasting difference in local communities in North Dublin and East Meath.

“The temporary renaming of Dublin Airport as Troy Parrott International Airport sparked nearly as much joy as the Irish team’s goals, attracting more than a million views and a quarter of a million likes on Dublin Airport’s social media channels. As the year draws to a close, the teams at Cork and Dublin airports are working hard to ensure a smooth Christmas period and look forward to seeing lots more scenes of joy across both airports.”