These figures do not include the total number of passengers expected over the entire month of December.

Daa is expecting the busiest day in the run-up to Christmas to be Friday, December 20, when about 93,000 passengers will move through the airport's two terminals. Friday, December 27, is set to be the busiest day post-Christmas when about 97,000 passengers are set to pass through.

In the year to the end of November, close to 31 million passengers have already travelled through the airport.

Under Dublin Airport’s planning permission, it is limited to managing 32 million passengers a year. Daa has submitted a new planning application seeking to increase this limit but approval has not yet been given by Fingal County Council.

According to Daa, about 90,000 fewer passengers will travel this Christmas through the airport compared to last year, due to airlines not being able to add extra services on popular routes as they typically would at this time of year to cater for demand.

Media relations manager at Dublin Airport Graeme McQueen said: “While the passenger cap is holding back numbers flying this Christmas, it won't restrict the high levels of festive spirit and emotion that is synonymous with Dublin Airport at this time of year.”

"For those travelling home for Christmas, we know how special this time of year is and whether you’re reuniting with loved ones or bringing holiday cheer to those near and far, we wish you a safe, smooth, and joyful journey,” he said.