Air and sea access: planned capacity for Summer 2026

Overview

This report outlines planned air and sea passenger capacity to the Republic of Ireland for Summer 2026 (29 March to 24 October). The analysis provides year-on-year comparisons and examines key markets to Ireland.

Air access: summer seat capacity is +3% above last summer

Airlines have scheduled close to 17 million seats to the Republic of Ireland for Summer 2026. That is +3% above Summer 2025 and +9% above Summer 2024 levels.

Air access: capacity is higher across most key markets this summer

While growth from Mainland Europe is flat, other market areas have increased their seat capacity. Capacity from Great Britain (+5%) and the United States (+7%) is higher than in Summer 2025. In Europe, the Italian and Spanish markets are both +6% year on year. The French and German markets are down -5% and -2% respectively.

Sea access: cross-channel ferry capacity has increased since Summer 2025

Ferry passenger capacity to the Republic of Ireland is expected to be +21% above Summer 2025 levels. Capacity on Britain-to-Ireland ferry routes is up +25%. Capacity on continental Europe-to-Ireland ferry routes is down 9% and remains below Summer 2024 levels.

Next steps

Use Fáilte Ireland’s Inbound Air and Sea Access dashboard to explore routes, markets and access data in more detail.