The Central Statistics Office (CSO) has published Aviation Statistics for Quarter 3 2025 showing a six-per-cent year-on-year jump in passenger traffic across Ireland’s five main airports. From July to September, 13.1 million travellers passed through Dublin, Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry airports—more than 700,000 above the same quarter in 2024. Freight volumes also rose eight per cent, highlighting a broader resurgence in air connectivity.
Dublin Airport, which handled 10.9 million passengers in the period, accounted for 83 per cent of all traffic, with London-Heathrow, Amsterdam-Schiphol and Manchester remaining its busiest routes. Regional gateways also recorded double-digit growth, with Knock Airport up 16 per cent year on year. Overall, 33.4 million passengers used Irish airports in the first nine months of 2025—1.5 million more than in the comparable 2024 period.
Higher volumes translate into greater pressure on border control, security screening and ground-handling resources—an acute concern as the country heads into its busiest Christmas season on record. The daa says 95 per cent of passengers are currently clearing security at Dublin in under 20 minutes, helped by next-generation CT scanners that allow liquids and electronics to remain in cabin bags.
![Record Q3 passenger numbers underline Ireland’s post-pandemic travel rebound]()
For corporates managing employee travel, the CSO data confirm that flight options and seat capacity are back to, or exceeding, pre-pandemic levels. Companies may wish to revisit negotiated airline contracts and consider alternative regional airports to avoid Dublin congestion. Mobility managers should also factor in rising fares: carriers have hinted at surcharges to offset Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandates that begin phasing in next year.
Amid this renewed mobility, VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) can streamline the visa and passport services that Irish-based travellers might suddenly find themselves scrambling for as they add new destinations or shift to alternative hubs. Whether it is a last-minute e-visa for a business trip routed through Amsterdam or a passport renewal for staff flying from Knock, VisaHQ offers live requirements, digital application tools and courier support that help companies keep employees compliant while minimising itinerary disruptions.
The strong traffic rebound strengthens the daa’s argument for scrapping the current 32 million-passenger cap at Dublin Airport and fast-tracking a third terminal. Fingal County Council’s planning decision is now expected early in 2026; in the meantime, a High Court stay means airlines can continue to expand capacity for summer 2026 schedules.
Dublin Airport, which handled 10.9 million passengers in the period, accounted for 83 per cent of all traffic, with London-Heathrow, Amsterdam-Schiphol and Manchester remaining its busiest routes. Regional gateways also recorded double-digit growth, with Knock Airport up 16 per cent year on year. Overall, 33.4 million passengers used Irish airports in the first nine months of 2025—1.5 million more than in the comparable 2024 period.
Higher volumes translate into greater pressure on border control, security screening and ground-handling resources—an acute concern as the country heads into its busiest Christmas season on record. The daa says 95 per cent of passengers are currently clearing security at Dublin in under 20 minutes, helped by next-generation CT scanners that allow liquids and electronics to remain in cabin bags.
For corporates managing employee travel, the CSO data confirm that flight options and seat capacity are back to, or exceeding, pre-pandemic levels. Companies may wish to revisit negotiated airline contracts and consider alternative regional airports to avoid Dublin congestion. Mobility managers should also factor in rising fares: carriers have hinted at surcharges to offset Sustainable Aviation Fuel mandates that begin phasing in next year.
Amid this renewed mobility, VisaHQ’s online platform (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) can streamline the visa and passport services that Irish-based travellers might suddenly find themselves scrambling for as they add new destinations or shift to alternative hubs. Whether it is a last-minute e-visa for a business trip routed through Amsterdam or a passport renewal for staff flying from Knock, VisaHQ offers live requirements, digital application tools and courier support that help companies keep employees compliant while minimising itinerary disruptions.
The strong traffic rebound strengthens the daa’s argument for scrapping the current 32 million-passenger cap at Dublin Airport and fast-tracking a third terminal. Fingal County Council’s planning decision is now expected early in 2026; in the meantime, a High Court stay means airlines can continue to expand capacity for summer 2026 schedules.
