There was a rise in the number of passengers travelling through Shannon airport in August and September.
Passenger numbers were up 22 per cent in August from the same month last year. There was a 73 per cent rise across European routes, from 36,072 passengers to 63,422, as a result of eight new destinations. There was also a 9 per cent increase in transatlantic passengers and a five per cent increase in UK traffic.
In September there was a 17 per cent rise in passengers compared to September 2013. European passenger number were up 51 per cent from 32,342 in 2013 to 48,874. There was an 11 per cent increase in transatlantic passengers and a 3 per cent increase in UK traffic.
Neil Pakey, CEO of Shannon said, "What is most pleasing is we are achieving growth across all our markets."
A recent Red C poll showed that counties surrounding Shannon airport benefited most from a growth in US tourists during the summer. Kerry saw 39 per cent of US tourists compared to 31 per cent in 2013. Clare welcomed 52 per cent of US tourists compared to 46 per cent last year. Galway saw 34 per cent of US tourists compared to 29 per cent in 2013. Finally, Cork saw an increase from 22 per cent to 25 per cent.
This also had a knock-on effect as 29 per cent of passengers said that they had visited Dublin, compared to 17 per cent last year.
