Shannon Airport has experienced a notable resurgence in passenger numbers, with a remarkable 41% increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year. This surge in travel demand represents the highest number of passengers recorded since 2009, highlighting the airport’s significant rebound following the pandemic.
June, in particular, witnessed a substantial increase of 32% in passenger numbers compared to last year and a 10% rise compared to pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, May also saw a noteworthy growth of over 25% in passenger traffic.
The lifting of travel restrictions and the resumption of international travel have been identified as key factors contributing to this positive rebound. The Shannon Airport Group, responsible for airport operations, has declared its busiest first six months in over a decade.
Additionally, the airport has expanded its services, introducing five new routes, including a new service to Paris with Aer Lingus. Similar trends have been observed in other Irish airports, such as Dublin and Cork, signaling a promising trajectory for the country’s aviation sector.
Passenger Numbers Surge
The surge in passenger numbers at Shannon Airport is evident, with a 41% increase in the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year, marking the highest number of passengers since 2009.
This remarkable rebound can be attributed to the surge in travel demand following the pandemic. The airport experienced its second-busiest period on record, with June 23 witnessing over 8,500 passengers, the busiest day in seven years.
Furthermore, June passenger numbers were 32% higher than last year and 10% higher than pre-pandemic levels. May also saw a significant increase in passenger traffic, with numbers exceeding 25% compared to the previous year.
These positive trends highlight the successful recovery of Shannon Airport, indicating a positive rebound after the challenging period of the pandemic.
Positive Rebound
Experiencing a surge in travel demand following the pandemic, passenger numbers at Shannon Airport have reached record highs, indicating a positive recovery.
In the first half of 2023, the airport reported 902,000 passengers, representing a 41% increase compared to the previous year. This marks the highest number of passengers since 2009 and reflects the second-busiest period recorded at the airport.
Notably, June witnessed the busiest day in seven years, with over 8,500 passengers on June 23. Furthermore, both June and May passenger numbers surpassed those of the previous year by 32% and over 25% respectively, demonstrating a significant rebound after the pandemic.
The Shannon Airport Group, led by its CEO, has celebrated this achievement as the busiest first six months in over a decade. This positive recovery can be attributed to the lifting of the 100ml liquid restriction last year and the addition of five new routes, including a new service to Paris with Aer Lingus.
It is worth mentioning that Dublin and Cork airports have also experienced increased passenger numbers, further highlighting the overall positive trend in the aviation industry.
Impact on Other Airports
Increased passenger numbers at Shannon Airport have had a ripple effect on other airports in Ireland, such as Dublin and Cork, indicating a positive recovery for the aviation industry as a whole.
Dublin Airport, for instance, saw over three million passengers in May, a figure similar to that of 2019 before the pandemic. This represents a significant increase of 17% compared to the same period last year.
Similarly, Cork Airport experienced a 10% rise in May passengers compared to 2019. These statistics highlight the strong rebound in air travel demand and reflect the growing confidence of travelers to resume their journeys.
The resurgence of passenger traffic at Shannon Airport has not only boosted its own operations but has also stimulated the recovery of other airports in Ireland, demonstrating a promising revival for the aviation sector in the country.
