Dublin Airport’s 2024 food and beverage consumption statistics paint a remarkable picture of traveler habits, with passengers consuming a full Irish breakfast every minute throughout the year.
The airport’s bustling cafes maintained an equally impressive pace, pouring over 2.5 million hot beverages – averaging one cup of tea or coffee every 12 seconds, highlighting the essential role of caffeine in air travel routines.
Taytos, Toblerones and Guinness
Snack preferences similarly reflected national tastes, as Tayto crisps dominated sales with 500,000 packets purchased.
In the confectionery category, Toblerone emerged as the undisputed champion, with chocolate sales reaching a staggering 72 tonnes – a weight comparable to 72 family cars lined up on the runway.
Beverage choices extended well beyond morning coffee and tea, with airport bars serving more than 1.5 million pints of Guinness, reinforcing Dublin Airport’s role as both a travel hub and a showcase of Irish culture.
Lost and Found at Dublin Airport
The lost and found department processed an impressive 19,000 items throughout 2024, successfully reuniting 56% with their owners.
The most commonly misplaced items included 2,300 bags, 1,000 mobile phones, 750 key sets, and 550 laptops. The Airport Police team, who manage this vital service, also responded to over 3,000 medical incidents, underlining their broader role in passenger safety and assistance.
The lost property system operates efficiently, with unclaimed items held for six months before being auctioned for charitable causes.
Located in Terminal 1’s Airport Police Station, the lost property office maintains convenient operating hours: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6:30pm, and Sundays from 10am to 2:30pm.
Importantly, while the airport handles items lost within its terminals and grounds, any possessions left aboard aircraft fall under airline jurisdiction.
“Among the more unusual cases, we had a passenger leave behind a complete golf bag with full clubs on Departures Road,” McQueen revealed. “While we initially wondered if it was a frustrated golfer abandoning the sport, the owner returned a few days later to reclaim their equipment.”
550 Lost Wedding Rings
daa Media Relations Manager Graeme McQueen shared intriguing insights from the lost property department, including the recovery of 550 wedding and engagement rings, with over 100 still awaiting their owners.
It has not been confirmed whether the losses were in any way related to the 1.5 million pints of Guinness served.
Airport Growth in 2024
The airport achieved unprecedented growth throughout 2024, setting consecutive passenger records in the first 11 months.
More than 171 days saw daily footfall exceeding 100,000 travelers – a remarkable evolution from the airport’s humble beginnings in 1940, when its annual capacity was just 100,000 passengers.
As Dublin Airport (DUB) approaches its 85th anniversary in January, final passenger numbers for 2024 will be released, expected to showcase another year of exceptional growth.
New Passenger Facilities
The airport’s commitment to enhancing passenger experience led to several significant improvements throughout 2024.
New dining options enriched the culinary landscape, including Supermac’s and Fruitality in Terminal 2, alongside an expanded Butler’s Cafe in Terminal 1.
The addition of the Grafton Barber outlet and the introduction of the innovative Drop & Go parking service demonstrated the airport’s focus on passenger convenience.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead to 2025, management promises even more enhancements to both terminals.
These statistics not only reflect Dublin Airport’s significant growth but also offer fascinating insights into the daily lives and habits of millions of travelers passing through Ireland’s premier aviation hub.
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