In a fitting end what has been a year of records in terms of passenger numbers, Liverpool John Lennon Airport is predicting a ‘busiest ever’ festive period. Tony McDonough reports
Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LJLA) is predicting its busiest Christmas and New Year period ever for passenger numbers.
LJLA says more than 200,000 passengers are expected to pass through the terminal during the festival period – 4% up on 2024. Most popular destinations for families visiting friends and relatives are all close to home and include Belfast, Dublin and the Isle of Man.
Most winter sun seekers will be heading to Alicante, Tenerife, Malaga, Arrecife and Faro. Flights to Amsterdam, Krakow, Geneva, Paris and Barcelona are set to be the busiest for those flying to city destinations.
In its most recent fiscal year, the 12 months to March 31, 2025, LJLA handled 5.2m passengers, contributing to a 30% rise in revenues to £55m with pre-tax profits coming in at just under £10m.
August 2025 was the busiest month in the 92-year history of the airport with more than 616,000 passengers. This smashed the previous record of 576,000 set a month earlier in July. That momentum has continued into the autumn.
While delays aren’t expected during the festive period, passengers travelling from Liverpool over the coming days are advised to allow extra time to pass through the airport at peak times.
As always at this time of year, airport management are keen to remind all passengers that restrictions on liquids carried in hand luggage are still in place and to think carefully about what items they are intending to pack in hand luggage, particularly Christmas presents.
Following the installation earlier this year of the latest generation security screening equipment, electrical items such as tablets and laptops can now remain in hand luggage as can any liquids and gels. However these remain limited to a maximum 100ml size.
Passengers are being asked to travel with their presents unwrapped if they are to be carried in hand luggage, with items including Christmas crackers not permitted by most airlines.
READ MORE: Connectivity critical to Liverpool Airport’s growth, says CEO
READ MORE: Ryanair launches three new routes from Liverpool
Robin Tudor, head of PR for LJLA, said: “This could be our busiest festive period ever and we’re all really looking forward to welcoming thousands of passengers to the airport, taking advantage of the convenience of flying hassle free from Liverpool.
“We are asking passengers at peak periods to allow a little extra time to pass through compared to normal and to come prepared, thinking carefully about what they are carrying in their hand luggage, since restrictions remain in place.”