Liverpool John Lennon Airport predicts a record summer for passenger numbers as six-week school break begins. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) says it expects to handle more than 720,000 during the school summer holidays – an increase of 8% on 2024 and its highest ever number.
Schools across the North West and North Wales have closed for the annual six-week break in the last few days sparking the big family getaway as people head for Europe’s sunniest spots.
In 2024 LJLA broke through the 5m passengers barrier for the first time in several years thanks to the arrival of Jet2 and Jet2Holidays as well as continued expansion by airlines such as easyJet and Ryanair.
Records have been broken already this year at the airport, with the highest ever May and June monthly passenger totals contributing towards more than 2.6m passengers using the airport during the first half of 2025 – up 11% compared to last year.
Mediterranean and sunshine resorts dominate what is likely to be the top 10 most popular destinations from Liverpool over the summer, with flights to Alicante, Palma, Malaga, Faro, Tenerife, Antalya, Lanzarote and Dalaman amongst the busiest.
High volumes of passenger traffic are also expected to destinations closer to home including Dublin and Belfast.
Airport management reminds travellers to allow plenty of time to pass through the airport during peak periods, recommending that passengers arrive at the two to three hours before their scheduled departure time.
Installation of the latest generation security equipment earlier this year means that all passengers departing from Liverpool can leave their liquids and large electronic items such as laptops/tablets etc in their hand luggage
There is no need for a clear plastic bag to keep liquids in. However, all liquids are still limited to 100ml.
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Robin Tudor, head of PR at LJLA, said: “This is likely to be our busiest summer ever and we look forward to welcoming thousands of the region’s holidaymakers from across the North West and North Wales over the coming weeks.
“They are choosing to fly from Liverpool and take advantage of our award-winning airport customer experience.
“We have recently introduced a range of new facilities in time for the busy summer season to give passengers a wider choice of food and beverage options, helping passengers get their holiday off to a relaxed, hassle free start.”