Dublin's Airports: A Comprehensive Guide To Ireland's Aviation Hub

Dublin Airport is the primary airport in Dublin, Ireland, located 7km north of the city. It is the busiest airport in Ireland, with over 34.6 million passengers passing through in 2024, and is the 13th busiest airport in Europe. The airport has grown rapidly since the 1990s, driven by increased business travel, tourism, and demand for foreign holidays. It offers an extensive short and medium-haul network, as well as long-haul flights to North America, the Middle East, and East Asia. With its success, Dublin Airport has become a hub for airlines such as Aer Lingus and Ryanair.

Dublin Airport's location and transport links

Dublin Airport (DUB) is located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 miles) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 miles) south of Swords. It is the busiest airport in Ireland by total passenger traffic, with over 34.6 million passengers passing through in 2024, making it the 13th busiest airport in Europe. The airport has seen rapid expansion and growth since the 1990s, driven by increased business travel, tourism, and demand for foreign holidays.

Dublin Airport has an extensive short and medium-haul network, with services to 31 intercontinental destinations as of 2019, and a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East. It is served by an array of carriers, including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, TUI Airways, Etihad Airways, Emirates, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways. The airport also has direct flights to East Asia, with Cathay Pacific offering weekly direct flights to Hong Kong.

Dublin Airport is one of only two airports in Europe with United States border preclearance services for US-bound passengers, allowing direct flights to the US without the need for a stopover. This service is available at only three airports outside the Americas, including Dublin, Shannon Airport in Ireland, and Abu Dhabi International Airport.

In terms of transport links, the airport is easily accessible from Dublin city centre, with the quickest option taking just 15 minutes. Various transport options are available, including bus, car, and taxi services.

The airport's history and development

Dublin Airport, located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, is the main airport serving the city of Dublin, Ireland. It is the busiest airport in Ireland by total passenger traffic and the 13th busiest airport in Europe.

The Airports History and Development

Dublin Airport officially opened on 19 January 1940, with the inaugural flight—an Aer Lingus Lockheed 14—departing for Liverpool. In the late 1930s, development began on a terminal building and grass runways at the Collinstown site, with the original terminal building designed by Desmond FitzGerald. The airport opened with just one flight a day to Liverpool and was effectively closed during World War II, with Aer Lingus operating a twice-weekly service to Liverpool. By 1947, flights from Dublin had reached Continental Europe, with Dutch airline KLM beginning the first European service to the city.

Three new concrete runways were completed in 1948, and by 1950, the airport had been used by a total of 920,000 passengers. However, the original terminal soon became incapable of handling the growing number of passengers, and a new North Terminal was opened in June 1959. During the 1960s, new departure gate piers were added to accommodate larger aircraft.

The airport continued to expand rapidly in the 1970s, with the construction of a new £10 million terminal building, which opened in June 1972. This was followed by further developments, including a new runway, new piers, and an extension to the 1971 terminal building. In the 1990s, Dublin Airport once again experienced significant growth, driven by increased business travel, tourism, and foreign holidays. This demand resulted in the extension of Pier A and the construction of a new Pier C.

In 2007, the Open Skies agreement between the US and the EU was ratified, allowing airlines to operate direct transatlantic services to and from Dublin Airport. This agreement marked a major milestone in the airport's history, as previously, all flights between Ireland and the United States had to transit through Shannon Airport. In November 2010, Dublin Airport opened Terminal 2, enabling the airport to handle more than 30 million passengers per year. The airport continues to develop, with a new North Runway opening in 2018, enhancing its capacity and connectivity.

Airlines operating from the airport

Dublin Airport (DUB) is located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Swords. It is the busiest airport in Ireland, with over 34.6 million passengers passing through in 2024, making it the 13th busiest airport in Europe. The airport has an extensive short-haul and medium-haul network, as well as a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East.

Dublin Airport serves as a hub for Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus, which operates flights to and from the United States. In 2007, the Open Skies agreement between the US and the EU was ratified, allowing airlines to operate direct transatlantic services to and from Dublin Airport for the first time. Previously, all transatlantic flights between Ireland and the US had to pass through Shannon Airport on the west coast of Ireland.

Dublin Airport is also the home base for Europe's largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair. Other airlines that operate from Dublin Airport include British airline TUI Airways, Etihad Airways (with flights to Abu Dhabi), Emirates (serving Dublin from Dubai since 2012), Ethiopian Airlines (with flights to Addis Ababa), Qatar Airways (with daily service to Doha since 2017), and Cathay Pacific (operating direct flights to Hong Kong since 2018).

In addition to these carriers, Dublin Airport offers flights to 22 cities in North America through seven different airlines. This includes a direct air link between Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa, operated by Ethiopian Airlines.

Destinations and routes from Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport (DUB) is located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Swords. It is the largest airport in Ireland, with 49 airlines flying from Dublin to 170-246 direct destinations across the world. The airport has two terminals (Terminal 1 and 2) and is the busiest in Ireland in terms of passenger traffic, with over 34.6 million passengers in 2024, making it the 13th busiest airport in Europe. Dublin Airport is also the home base for Europe's largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair, and serves as a hub for Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus.

Dublin Airport has an extensive short and medium-haul network, with a particular focus on destinations in the European Union accession states, following the surge in demand from Ireland's migrant workers. The airport also has a significant long-haul network, with 22 cities in North America connected directly to Dublin Airport, as well as routes to the Middle East and East Asia.

The most frequently departed route from Dublin Airport is to London (LHR) in the United Kingdom, with an average of 110 flights every week. There are also domestic flights within Ireland to Donegal (CFN) and Kerry County (KIR). Other intercontinental destinations include Abu Dhabi, served by Etihad Airways, Dubai, served by Emirates, Doha, served by Qatar Airways, and Hong Kong, served by Cathay Pacific. The route with the longest flight time is to Los Angeles (LAX), which takes approximately 11 hours.

Dublin Airport offers United States border preclearance services for US-bound passengers, making it one of only two airports in Europe with this facility. This was implemented following the Open Skies agreement between the US and EU in 2007, which removed the requirement for transatlantic flights between Ireland and the US to pass through Shannon Airport.

Airport facilities and services

Dublin Airport is located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Swords. It is the busiest airport in Ireland, with over 34.6 million passengers in 2024, and it serves as a hub for Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus. The airport has seen rapid expansion and growth since the 1990s, driven by increased business travel, tourism, and demand for foreign travel.

Dublin Airport provides a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth journey for its passengers. Here is an overview of what you can expect:

Parking and Transportation:

Dublin Airport offers convenient parking options, including short-term and long-term parking. The T2 Short Term Car Park allows passengers to drop off their car keys, with the car ready for them in the same spot upon their return. The airport also provides a Fast Track service, allowing passengers to save time through security in Terminals 1 and 2.

Lounges and Relaxation:

Passengers can enhance their travel experience by accessing the Dublin Airport lounges, which offer stylish and relaxing spaces with delicious food and drinks. The Airport Club provides annual unlimited Fast Track access, unlimited parking, lounge access, and discounts at the Duty-Free stores.

Dining and Shopping:

Dublin Airport boasts a variety of dining options, with new food and drink outlets opening regularly. Passengers can enjoy cafes and restaurants across Departures and Arrivals in Terminals 1 and 2. The airport also offers Duty-Free shopping, with Click & Collect and Shop & Drop services available.

Luggage Services:

Smarte Carte's Baggage Services provide products and services to elevate the passenger experience. Baggage trolleys are available free of charge throughout the airport complex.

Additional Support:

Dublin Airport is committed to assisting passengers who require additional support. They provide information and assistance for travelling with children and pets, as well as mobility and hidden disability assistance. Lost luggage/property services are also available.

Other Amenities:

Dublin Airport offers an interactive indoor terminal map to help passengers locate boarding gates, shops, cafes, and other facilities. The airport also provides updates, news, and information on special offers and competitions.

Dublin Airport continues to develop and enhance its facilities and services to cater to the needs of its passengers, ensuring a pleasant and efficient travel experience.

Frequently asked questions