The Dublin Airport Authority says it’s expecting more than 770,000 passengers to travel through the airport over the course of the Christmas season, from tomorrow through to Friday, January 2, 2015. The numbers travelling this year are up 8% compared to the same period last year.
Tomorrow December 19 is expected to be the busiest day before Christmas with 80,000 passengers due to arrive and depart through both terminals, while Friday, January 2 is expected to be the busiest day after Christmas particularly with passengers heading to skiing destinations.
Both terminals are decked with 90,000 led lights, which use significantly less electricity than traditional lighting. There are more than 100 Christmas trees, 500 snowflakes and stars and 20 festive displays.
More than 25 musical groups from local schools and choirs will perform in both terminals in the days leading up to Christmas.
Dublin Airport will close on Christmas Day however a number of staff members will remain on duty including the DAA's emergency fire services. Flight operations will cease on Christmas Eve after the last flight lands at 22.55 from Lanzarote and will resume on St. Stephen’s Day at 06.00 when the first flight departs for Amsterdam.
To help passengers have a smooth journey through the airport this Christmas season, Dublin Airport has the following 6 key advice tips:
PASSENGERS SHOULD CHECK WHICH TERMINAL THEY ARE DEPARTING FROM
Aer Lingus, Etihad Airways, Emirates and ALL the American carriers operate from Terminal 2 while all other airlines operate from Terminal 1.
THE EU AVIATION LIQUID REGULATIONS – 100ML RULE
EU aviation liquid regulations are still in place so passengers are reminded to pack gifts in bottles or containers measuring more than 100ml into their checked in luggage. Details can be found on www.dublinairport.com.
REMOVE ALL SHARP OBJECTS FROM HAND LUGGAGE
Passengers are also reminded not to carry sharp objects in their hand-luggage, such as, scissors, nail files, blades, cork screws, cutlery or other sharp objects of any description. These objects should be packed into checked in luggage. Christmas crackers may be brought through the passenger security screening area provided the novelty gifts inside are not sharp/prohibited items.
DON'T WRAP THAT PRESENT
If you are planning to bring Christmas gifts by air this festive season Dublin Airport is asking passengers not to gift wrap presents.
"Many passengers take a lot of care and time to wrap Christmas gifts for family and friends overseas. We would ask them not to wrap these gifts otherwise they may be disappointed if they are requested to open them at the passenger security screening area," said Dublin Airport’s Siobhan O’Donnell.
CHECK-IN ADVICE
Passengers should plan to arrive in the terminal building at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time irrespective of whether they are checking in on line or at the airport. Passengers flying long-haul are advised to consult their airline's website for check-in times.
ROAD TRAFFIC
Finally, passengers travelling this Christmas season are also advised to allow extra time to get to the airport in the event of road congestion to ensure they comply with check-in and airport security regulations.
“Dublin Airport will have additional Customer Care staff on duty over the Christmas season to ensure passengers have an efficient and smooth journey through the airport, but we’d also ask passengers to prepare for security screening by removing outer jackets, belts, keys, coins and laptops from cases so that security searches are kept to a minimum,” Ms ODonnell said.
As thousands of people come home for Christmas from all corners of the world, one woman got a big surprise on arrival earlier this week.
Carmel O' Connor, who travelled from Brisbane in Australia, also had a big surprise to give to her family who had travelled from west Limerick to welcome her home for the first time in four years:
