The number of people travelling through Dublin Airport has risen significantly in 2021 compared to 2020 - but remains way down on pre-Covid-19 levels.
2021 passenger numbers were down 74% on 2019, but up 14% on 2020.
In total, 8.3 million passengers either started or ended their journey through Dublin Airport last year.
While the number of people travelling to and from continental Europe skyrocketed by 33% in 2021 compared to 2020, the number of passengers to and from Britain plummeted by -10%.
There was an increase of people flying within Ireland last year, up 13% on 2020. But this figure remains 63% down on 2019 levels.
Travel to the Middle East dropped by 21% in 2021.
The Airport is also rolling out three new “fast-track” terminals.
Passengers will be able to purchase tickets through a self-service kiosk, which facilitates them to bypass security queues, and travel through the airport safely and quickly.
Those travelling can also buy ‘Lounge Passes’ in addition to a Fast-Track Pass, affording quicker access to the Airport’s private lounges and business centres.
The newer terminals proved popular among passengers since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, with the Airport saying it is embracing new technology.
They are designed to negate the need for physical contact, while offering passengers greater convenience and reduced waiting times.
Cashless payment technology developed by Irish fintech company Facilipay will power Ireland’s first Fast Track Pass system.
The service is set to expand further with the planned rollout of three additional kiosks across Terminals 1 and 2.
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