
Dublin Airport is an international airport located in Collinstown, 7 km north of Dublin, Ireland. It is the country's busiest airport, serving over 34.6 million passengers in 2024, and is the 13th busiest airport in Europe. The airport has undergone significant expansion and enhancements since its inaugural flight in 1940, including the addition of Terminal 2 in 2010, which provides aircraft parking for 27 narrow-body aircraft and can handle up to 15 million passengers annually. With a focus on efficient passenger processing, Dublin Airport offers a range of facilities, including shopping, dining, and duty-free options, as well as services for families, individuals with disabilities, and those travelling with pets.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Swords |
| Operator | DAA (formerly Dublin Airport Authority) |
| Airlines | Aer Lingus, Ryanair, KLM |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Facilities | Restaurants, cafes, shops, duty-free, click & collect, shop & drop, fast-track security |
| Passenger Traffic | Busiest year on record was 2024, with over 34.6 million passengers |
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What You'll Learn
- Dublin Airport is the 13th busiest airport in Europe
- The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 2 being the transatlantic gateway for flights to the US
- The airport has an extensive short and medium-haul network, as well as a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East
- Dublin Airport has a range of food and drink options, but they can be expensive
- The airport offers a fast-track security service in both terminals

Dublin Airport is the 13th busiest airport in Europe
Dublin Airport is the largest airport in Ireland, and in 2018, 2019 and 2024, it was the 13th busiest airport in Europe. Located in Collinstown, 7 km (4.3 mi) north of Dublin, and 3 km (1.9 mi) south of Swords, the airport has experienced significant growth in recent years.
The airport has a substantial short and medium-haul network, served by a wide range of carriers, as well as a notable long-haul network centred on North America and the Middle East. It is a hub for Aer Lingus, Ireland's flag carrier, and the home base for Europe's largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair. Dublin Airport also offers transatlantic flights, with a US pre-clearance immigration facility in Terminal 2. This terminal, which opened in 2010, was designed to accommodate long-haul carriers and has 25 departure gates and 16 immigration desks capable of handling up to 15 million passengers annually.
The airport's history dates back to the 1930s when the Executive Council of the Irish Free State established Aer Lingus, which initially operated from Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel. However, it was decided that a new civil airport was needed to replace Baldonnel, and the Collinstown site was chosen. Construction began in 1937, and by the end of 1939, the airfield, internal roads, car parks, and electrical power and lighting were in place. The inaugural flight from Dublin to Liverpool took place in January 1940.
During World War II, services were limited, with the only international scheduled routes operated by Aer Lingus to Liverpool and Manchester's Barton Aerodrome. After the war, the airport expanded rapidly, with new runways and terminal enhancements. By 1950, the airport had welcomed 920,000 passengers, and this growth continued throughout the 1950s, leading to further developments to accommodate the increasing traffic and new airlines. In 1958, Aer Lingus introduced a transatlantic service via Shannon Airport, and a new North Terminal opened in 1959 to handle the growing number of passengers.
Today, Dublin Airport remains a vital hub for aviation in Ireland and Europe, with over 32.9 million passengers passing through in 2019, making it the busiest year on record. The airport continues to invest in infrastructure and safety, with initiatives such as Apron Safety Awareness training and the OLC online training programme, ensuring a high level of safety culture and compliance.
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The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 2 being the transatlantic gateway for flights to the US
Dublin Airport (DUB) is an international airport serving Dublin, Ireland. It is located in Collinstown, 7 km north of Dublin and 3 km south of Swords. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal 2 being the dedicated transatlantic gateway for flights to the United States.
Terminal 2 is a large and modern facility, spanning 75,000 square metres and featuring a US pre-clearance immigration facility. It was designed by Pascall+Watson architects and opened in 2010 at a cost of €600 million. The terminal has 25 departure gates and 16 immigration desks, capable of handling up to 15 million passengers annually. Aer Lingus is the main carrier operating at Terminal 2, and it serves as a hub for traffic between Europe and the United States.
The construction of Terminal 2 was a significant development for Dublin Airport, allowing it to accommodate the growing demand for transatlantic travel to and from the United States. Prior to the opening of Terminal 2, all long-haul carriers operated from Terminal 1. The new terminal not only improved the airport's capacity but also enhanced the efficiency and convenience of travel to the US, with dedicated facilities for US-bound passengers.
Dublin Airport has a long history of serving transatlantic travellers. In 1993, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Ireland allowed airlines to operate direct transatlantic services to and from Dublin Airport for the first time. This agreement marked a shift from the previous reliance on Shannon Airport as a refuelling stop for pre-jet aircraft. The gradual implementation of this agreement led to a complete removal of the "stopover" requirement in 2008, further solidifying Dublin Airport's role as a transatlantic gateway.
Today, Dublin Airport continues to thrive as a busy international hub, with Terminal 2 playing a crucial role in facilitating travel between Europe and the United States. With its efficient facilities and convenient location, it offers a seamless travel experience for passengers travelling across the Atlantic.
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The airport has an extensive short and medium-haul network, as well as a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East
Dublin Airport is an international airport serving Dublin, Ireland. It is the busiest airport in Ireland and the 12th or 13th busiest airport in Europe. The airport is located in Collinstown, 7 km north of Dublin, and 3 km south of the town of Swords.
Dublin Airport has an extensive short and medium-haul network, served by a wide range of carriers. It is a hub for Ireland's flag carrier, Aer Lingus, and the primary operating base for Europe's largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair. British charter airline TUI Airways also operates a base at the airport.
The airport has a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East. Terminal 2 is a dedicated long-haul terminal, with a US pre-clearance immigration facility. In 1993, a bilateral agreement between the United States and Ireland allowed airlines to operate direct transatlantic services to and from Dublin Airport for the first time. This agreement led to a gradual increase in direct flights to the US from Dublin, with the 'stopover' requirement for flights completely disappearing in 2008.
Dublin Airport's long-haul network has continued to expand, with a new runway opening in 2022 that can accommodate larger aircraft for direct flights to the Far East. This expansion allows the airport to accommodate up to 30 million passengers annually. The airport has also invested in infrastructure improvements, such as extending aprons and creating rapid exit taxiways, to enhance the efficiency of the main runway.
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Dublin Airport has a range of food and drink options, but they can be expensive
Dublin Airport, located in Collinstown, 7 km north of Dublin, offers a range of food and drink options for travellers. From cafes and restaurants to pubs and supermarkets, there are various places to eat and drink within the airport. However, some travellers have noted that the food options are limited and expensive.
For those seeking a quick bite, fast-food chains like Burger King and McDonald's are present in the airport. However, some travellers have criticised these options as being of low quality and overpriced. Additionally, vegetarian and vegan options may be limited, prompting some travellers to bring their own food.
On the other hand, there are sit-down restaurants like The Nomad, which is known for its breakfast options and loaded toasts. While The Nomad is popular among travellers, it is also noted to be quite expensive. Cloud Pickers, located near the stairs to the American flights, is recommended for coffee enthusiasts.
The cost of food and drinks at Dublin Airport reflects the general trend of higher prices in the city of Dublin compared to the rest of Ireland. While it may not be as expensive as some major cities like New York, Dublin's prices for food and drinks can be significantly higher than those in other European cities and countries.
It is always a good idea to be prepared and bring your own food and drinks to the airport, especially if you have specific dietary preferences or budget constraints. However, it is important to remember that liquids are restricted when passing through security.
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The airport offers a fast-track security service in both terminals
Dublin Airport is an international airport serving Dublin, Ireland. It is the 13th busiest airport in Europe and the busiest airport in Ireland, with over 34.6 million passengers passing through in 2024, making it the airport's busiest year on record. The airport has two terminals, Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, with a total area of 75,000 square meters. Terminal 2, which opened in 2010, serves as the transatlantic gateway for flights to the United States.
With the fast-track security service, passengers can expect reduced waiting times and quicker access to their departure gates. This dedicated lane typically has fewer people in line, ensuring a smoother and faster transition through security checks. This option is ideal for travellers who value time efficiency and wish to minimise potential delays associated with standard security procedures. The fast-track service ensures that passengers can spend less time in line and more time enjoying the airport's other amenities or simply relaxing before their flight.
To utilise the fast-track security service at Dublin Airport, passengers can purchase access online or at the airport. This service may be included in certain membership programmes or premium travel packages. It is recommended to review the specific options and requirements provided by Dublin Airport to understand the eligibility and access methods for this expedited security screening option. By offering fast-track security in both terminals, Dublin Airport provides travellers with added convenience and flexibility, enhancing their overall airport experience.
In addition to the fast-track security service, Dublin Airport also provides a range of other services and facilities to cater to the needs of its diverse passenger base. These include options to shop and dine, as well as assistance for those travelling with children, pets, or requiring special mobility or hidden disability assistance. Overall, Dublin Airport strives to provide a positive and efficient travel experience for its millions of annual visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
Dublin Airport has a variety of food and drink options available, including Pret, Burger King, and various restaurants and cafes. However, some people have complained about the prices being high.
Dublin Airport offers a range of facilities, including shops, duty-free, and a mobile app to help passengers navigate and access information. It also provides assistance for passengers with additional needs, such as travelling with children or pets, and those with lost luggage or mobility issues.
Opinions vary regarding the efficiency of Dublin Airport. Some people have praised it as a "pleasant and well-run airport," while others have criticised the time it takes to get through security and reach the gates. It is recommended to use the Fast Track security service available in Terminals 1 and 2 to expedite the process.
Dublin Airport is the busiest airport in Ireland and the 13th busiest in Europe, with over 34.6 million passengers in 2024. It serves as a hub for airlines such as Aer Lingus and Ryanair, offering an extensive short and medium-haul network and a significant long-haul network focused on North America and the Middle East.






























