Air and Sea Access Planned Capacity for Winter 2025/26

Overview

The Air and Sea Access Planned Capacity report outlines planned air and ferry capacity to the Republic of Ireland for winter 2025/26. Both air and sea access are expected to grow above the previous winter season levels.

Key takeaways

1. Air: Scheduled winter air seat capacity is +15% above last winter

Airlines have scheduled close to 10 million seats to the Republic of Ireland for winter 2025-26. That is +15% above winter 2024-25 and +13% above winter 2023-24. The increase is mainly driven by the absence of a passenger cap at Dublin Airport this winter. Growth is due across all winter months.

2. Air: Mainland Europe and Great Britain account for 85% of scheduled seats

Scheduled winter capacity from Mainland Europe accounts for 49% of seats while Great Britain accounts for 36% of seat capacity. 

3. Air: Growth in seat capacity is scheduled across all key source markets this winter

Capacity is due to rise across all market areas and key source markets: +16% from Mainland Europe, +11% from Great Britain, +17% from the US, +10% from France and +14% from Germany. 

4. Sea: Ferry capacity increased across both sailing corridors

Ferry operators report 108,500 one-way weekly passenger capacity to the Republic of Ireland. That is +9% above winter 2024-25. Cross Channel capacity is expected to be up +7% with Continental capacity is up +27% to 11,800 weekly passenger capacity.

What this means for tourism businesses 

Use the report as a planning input alongside your own booking data.  

Practical actions you can take

• Review your target markets
  Combine access and visitor data to identify the highest-potential markets across Great Britain, Mainland Europe and North America, then align your marketing to target them.
• Prepare for the winter season  
  Promote off-peak seasonal experiences and partner with local businesses to build compelling winter itineraries that draw visitors outside the peak season.

Related supports and next steps

Use Fáilte Ireland’s Inbound Air and Sea Access dashboard for more route and market detail.