Dublin Airport has welcomed its 20 millionth passenger this year through its arrival doors.
This was the first time the airport has reached the 20 million mark since 2009 and passenger numbers for this year are up 6 per cent from last.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) chief executive Kevin Toland said 2013 had seen the third consecutive year of passenger growth at the airport, and that traffic levels had also expanded.
“Dublin Airport has had 16 consecutive months of traffic growth and has outperformed the European average in each of the past 14 months,” Mr Toland said.
“Passenger growth is expected to continue into next year as we already have 15 new services confirmed for Dublin Airport in 2014, as our airline partners launch new routes to North America and Europe.”
Roma Chang from Donaghmore in Co Tyrone was the 20 millionth passenger to fly into Dublin this year.
She arrived at around 10am on board a United Airlines flights from Washington.
Ms Chang was greeted with flowers, champagne and a holiday voucher as the Dublin Airport Police and Fire Service Band performed “Congratulations”.
“I’m overwhelmed and completely surprised,” Ms Chang said.
“This is a fantastic way to be greeted on arrival at Dublin Airport.”
Passenger numbers in 2013 were up by around a million from last year.
A record number of transatlantic passengers flew through Dublin this year — 1.8 million of whom flew to North America, which was up from a peak of 1.79 million in 2008.
Annual passenger numbers at Dublin Airport peaked at just under 23.5 million in 2008 and fell back to 18.4 million in 2010, before beginning to grow again.
At the peak of the boom in 2008, Dublin Airport’s passenger numbers included almost 850,000 passengers taking domestic flights within the Republic of Ireland. (PA)