DUBLIN Airport had its busiest year ever in 1995, according to Aer Rianta's latest traffic bulletin. Terminal passenger numbers at Shannon Airport grew by 21 per cent and Cork Airport Just barely fell short of reaching one million passengers for the first time.
The number of passengers who moved through Dublin Airport in 1995 was 8,024,894 15 per cent ahead of 1994. This growth is putting pressure on existing facilities and Aer Rianta is embanking on a major expansion programme at the airport.
Christmas created another record at Dublin with the number of flights bringing people home during the holiday period.
Traffic in December was also boosted by the Ireland v Holland match at Anfield. UK business grew by 19 per cent, with British provincial cities now enjoying the competitive fares which have been a feature on London routes for some years.
Overall, Shannon showed only a slight increase of 2.4 per cent on the previous year. UK traffic improved in December thanks in particular to a new carrier, AB Shannon.
However, the airport is continuing to lose transit passengers as carriers such as Aeroflot no longer make refuelling stops.
Cork Airport had its best year ever. Domestic and UK traffic rose by 12 per cent and 22 per cent, respectively. Aer Rianta said that returning emigrants over the Christmas period was a significant factor in the increase in business, as well as competitive air fares.
Cork's European passenger figures rose by 28 per cent, thanks mainly to charter flights to the Canaries, Lanzarote and Nantes.