British Airways' A320 taxiing at sunset after a heavy rain shower. Brilliant pic by EssieJosie on Twitter.

A record-breaking 29.6 million passengers used Dublin Airport last year. A significant increase in long-haul traffic and a good performance from continental European routes were the main reasons behind a 6% increase in passenger numbers in 2017 - the 7th consecutive year of growth at Dublin Airport. About 27.8 million passengers started or ended their journey at Dublin last year, while a further 1.8m passengers used Dublin Airport as a hub. Dublin Airport has flights to 191 destinations in 42 countries operated by 47 airlines and is now the 11th largest airport within the European Union. Short-haul traffic increased by 4% to 25.3 million, while long-haul passenger numbers increased by 19% to 4.3 million. Dublin Airport beat its previous passenger record, which was set in 2016, by almost 1.7 million. “Dublin Airport had another record-breaking year during 2017, with passenger numbers increasing by 6% to just under 29.6 million,” said Dublin Airport Managing Director Vincent Harrison. “The continued growth at Dublin Airport is fantastic news for the Irish economy. Increased air connectivity boosts tourism, trade and foreign direct investment. Last year’s record performance for visitor numbers across the island of Ireland was underpinned by the growth in passenger numbers at Dublin.” Click on the image for the full story.

Air France Concorde at Dublin Airport in the 1980s. Anyone remember coming out to see it, or have their own photographs? Image via the Dublin City Libraries archive.

We're proud to support The Holiday World Show taking place this weekend. Come along to this great event at the Titanic Belfast Exhibition Centre and drop by our stand to say hello and to find out more about our destinations and our exciting new routes for 2018.

We're 78 years old today. 🎉 Here are some highlights since we opened on this day back in 1940. What's your best memory of Dublin Airport?

Winter dawn at Dublin Airport. Pic by Pawel Zygmunt

Our Winter Operations crews have been busy and we’re operating normally. Good morning.

Dublin Airport is effectively a large town - and provides employment for more than 19,000 people working directly at the airport or for airport-related businesses. About 13,000 people from 470 different firms have an airside pass, which means they are permitted to go through security for the purposes of their job. Each person is garda vetted and checked before a pass can be issued. Specialist training is also provided for all those who have access to the apron.

New year new travels. What's on your wish list for 2018?

Lost something at Dublin Airport? If you've left it on an aircraft you should contact your airline directly, if you think it's in the terminal buildings you can check here. http://ow.ly/AXd330hFMli

There is a fire at a recycling centre at St Margaret's near the airport. The fire is not on the airport campus and the smoke is not affecting airport operations. The fire brigade are in attendance.

It's cloudy with patchy mist and drizzle today. A great reason to dream about some winter sun ☀️ Need some inspiration? Check out our Winter schedule http://ow.ly/Q7VD30hFvrd