DUBLIN, Ireland: Shannon Airport has recorded its busiest day of operations since 2016.

Beginning with the start of the three-day bank holiday on June 2, the airport saw over 7,800 arriving and departing passengers in its first 24 hour period.

Located in Shannon, County Clare, the airport is the second busiest in Ireland, after Dublin Airport.

The record breaking day also marks the beginning of the summer season for Shanon Airport, with demand for both transatlantic and European destinations rising.

The June 2 record follows a 27 percent increase in passengers in May compared to May, 2022.

"We are continuing to see an increase in the volume of passengers through Shannon since the start of the year. There is a real appetite for overseas travel, especially as we reach peak holiday season. The boost in numbers coincides with our new United Airlines Chicago service and the return of Ryanair's seasonal services to Corfu and Barcelona-Girona over the Bank Holiday weekend," noted Mary Considine, Chief Executive of Shannon Airport, as quoted by simpleflying.com.

Among the rise in passengers, new routes also play a role, including the addition of United Airlines connecting Shannon to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, which began on May 26.

Officials expect an additional 30,000 passengers this year on the Chicago route.

United is also offering direct flights to and from the US hub of Newark Liberty International Airport to Shannon.

Additonally, Ryanair is offering twice-weekly departures from Shannon to Porto in Portugal and Naples, Italy.

Additionally, flights are offered to and from Shannon to New York and Boston in the United States.

This summer, Shannon Airport will be served by Aer Lingus, Ryanair, Vueling, Lufthansa, United, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines.