Owais Crawford
Dublin Airport is the largest and main airport in Ireland, located in Collinstown, 7km north of Dublin, and 3km south of Swords. The airport has two terminals and is popular with travellers going to the United States due to a number of direct flights and US Customs pre-clearance. Dublin Airport is currently in the process of installing new security scanners, which will speed up transit through security. In recent months, there have been no reports of significant queues at the airport, and travellers have reported that 3 hours is more than enough time to get through.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Collinstown, 7km north of Dublin, and 3km south of Swords |
| Terminals | 2 |
| Popularity | Popular with travellers to the US due to direct flights and US Customs pre-clearance |
| Security | New security scanners that do not require the removal of liquids are being installed |
| Queues | Minimal queues, with most sources stating that 2-3 hours before departure is enough time |
| Accessibility | Assistance Dog Relief Room, accessible washrooms, induction loops, set-down areas, sensory rooms, and changing places facilities |
| Passenger Cap | Current cap of 36 million passengers per annum, with plans to increase to 40 million |
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What You'll Learn
Dublin Airport is the largest airport in Ireland
Dublin Airport is currently facing a passenger cap, with the DAA applying to increase the cap to 36 million passengers per annum, and even 40 million in a separate application. The airport's existing infrastructure can reportedly accommodate this increase without requiring additional construction or a decline in service quality. Dublin Airport offers a range of accessibility features, including accessible washrooms, induction loops for passengers with hearing difficulties, set-down areas at terminal entrances, and a Sensory Room in each terminal.
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New security scanners are being installed
Dublin Airport, the largest and main airport in Ireland, is currently undergoing some changes, including the installation of new security scanners. The new scanners are designed to streamline the security process and enhance the overall airport experience. Here's what you need to know about the new security scanners:
New Security Scanners:
Dublin Airport is currently in the process of installing new security scanners, which represent a significant upgrade to the existing system. These scanners utilise advanced technology to efficiently screen passengers and their belongings. The new scanners are designed to improve security effectiveness and speed up the transit process for passengers.
Improved Efficiency:
One of the most notable benefits of the new security scanners is their ability to expedite the security screening process. With these scanners, passengers no longer need to remove their liquids for separate screening. This change means that passengers can move through security more quickly, reducing potential bottlenecks and long queues. The new scanners also eliminate the need to place liquids in plastic bags, simplifying the overall security process.
Real-time Security Information:
To assist passengers in planning their arrival at the airport, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) provides real-time updates on security wait times through its official app. This feature enables passengers to make informed decisions about when to arrive at the airport, helping to reduce potential congestion at security checkpoints. The app offers estimated security wait times for both terminals, ensuring that passengers can choose the most efficient route through the airport.
Phased Implementation:
The new security scanners are being introduced in a phased manner. Currently, both the old and new scanners are in use at Dublin Airport. This gradual rollout ensures a smooth transition and allows for thorough testing and optimisation of the new system. Passengers should be aware that the restrictions on liquid quantities still apply at the old scanners, and they will need to abide by the EU security rules until the new scanners are fully operational.
Enhancing Airport Capacity:
The introduction of the new security scanners is part of a broader effort to enhance Dublin Airport's capacity and improve its competitiveness on a global scale. The airport is seeking to increase its annual passenger capacity to meet growing demand. By improving the efficiency of security screening and streamlining processes, the new scanners play a crucial role in supporting the airport's ability to handle a larger volume of passengers.
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DAA has reapplied to increase the airport's passenger cap
Dublin Airport is Ireland's largest airport, located in Collinstown, 7km north of Dublin. In February 2025, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) reapplied to increase the airport's passenger cap to 36 million per annum. This came after their initial application, lodged in December 2024, was invalidated by Fingal County Council for non-compliance with the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
The DAA has emphasised the economic importance of increasing the passenger cap, stating that it will improve Ireland's connectivity, tourism, and economy. They have also highlighted that the existing infrastructure at Dublin Airport can accommodate the proposed increase without requiring physical changes or compromising the quality of service.
The DAA's consultants, Coakley O'Neill, have supported this application, acknowledging the pressing need for Dublin Airport to compete with other international hub airports to secure new routes and connections. They have also stated that the proposed increase is a modest uplift in passenger growth and is in the national interest.
In addition to the application for a short-term solution of 36 million passengers, the DAA has also submitted a separate infrastructure application seeking to increase the airport's capacity to 40 million passengers per annum. This is supported by a €2.4 billion investment for enhancements and sustainable improvements.
The DAA urges a swift resolution to the passenger cap issue, and with the support of political parties and stakeholders, they aim to address this critical national issue impacting Ireland's primary transport hub.
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Dublin Airport has two terminals
Dublin Airport, the largest and main airport in Ireland, has two terminals. It is located in Collinstown, 7km north of Dublin and 3km south of Swords. Dublin Airport is popular with travellers to the United States, thanks to its direct flights and US Customs pre-clearance.
The airport is currently in the process of installing new security scanners, which will speed up transit through security. The new scanners are already in use, although the rollout is not yet halfway through, so there is currently a mix of old and new scanners. The new body scanners do not require passengers to remove their liquids or put them in a plastic bag, and there are no restrictions on the amount of liquid that can be brought through.
Dublin Airport has been seeking to increase its passenger capacity to 36 million per annum, and possibly even 40 million, but its application has been invalidated by Fingal County Council. The council stated that the application failed to comply with three separate articles of the Planning and Development Regulations 2001.
Dublin Airport advises arriving at least 2 hours before short-haul flights and 3 hours before long-haul flights. However, one traveller commented that queues at the airport are now only around 15 minutes, so 2 hours before departure should be sufficient.
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There are facilities for passengers with reduced mobility
Dublin Airport provides various facilities for passengers with reduced mobility. It is recommended that passengers requiring mobility assistance contact their airline, travel agent, or tour operator in advance, as Dublin Airport's safety regulations may affect reduced mobility requirements for onward travel. The tour operator or travel agent is then obliged to contact the airline at least 48 hours before the flight to inform them of the passenger's assistance requirements.
Passengers with reduced mobility can book assistance directly with their airline or through a mobile app called PRM Assist. When pre-booking assistance, passengers will be asked to choose an option that best suits their needs, including options with or without the use of a wheelchair. While it is not mandatory to book in advance, priority will be given to those who have booked in advance, and those who have not pre-booked may experience longer wait times and potential disruptions to their travel plans.
Dublin Airport has established quality standards for assistance services and has appointed One Complete Solution Ltd (OCS) to provide these services. OCS can assist passengers with customs and help them meet their airport bus or taxi. They also provide an ambi-lift for larger aircraft to aid passengers in boarding and disembarking, as well as hoist devices to help passengers take their seats on the plane. Accessible toilet facilities are also available for wheelchair users and their assistance providers.
For passengers with a disability who wish to avoid the rush of the airport, Dublin Airport offers a Platinum Services package. This package allows passengers to bypass the main airport and relax in a private suite before being transferred directly to their aircraft in a suitable vehicle. A cheaper alternative is the Fast Track Service, which allows passengers to skip most of the traffic and offers additional benefits such as dedicated check-in and complimentary refreshments.
Dublin Airport also provides over 90 designated car parking spaces for disability permit holders, spread across each level of the short-term car parks located near the two terminal buildings. Passengers with reduced mobility can contact the Reduced Mobility Assistance Service Providers for further assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Dublin Airport is the largest and main airport in Ireland, located in Collinstown, 7km north of Dublin. In the past, there have been issues with long queues at security, but sources suggest that these issues have been resolved. The airport is in the process of installing new security scanners, which are expected to speed up transit through security. The current wait times at security are estimated to be around 15 minutes. It is recommended that passengers arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before short-haul flights and 3 hours before long-haul flights.
The current passenger cap at Dublin Airport is 36 million passengers per annum. However, the operator of Dublin Airport, DAA, has applied to increase this cap to 40 million passengers per annum. The application is currently being evaluated by Fingal County Council.
Dublin Airport offers a range of facilities for passengers with reduced mobility, including accessible washrooms located throughout the airport, induction loops for passengers with hearing difficulties, set-down areas at the entrances of both terminals, and a Sensory Room in each terminal after security screening. Accessible car park facilities are also available in the Long Term and Short Term car parks.
You can receive flight status updates directly on your phone by downloading the official Dublin Airport app or by subscribing to your flight on the "Departures" section of the Dublin Airport website. You can also receive updates via WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger.
Yes, Dublin Airport has recently introduced new screens and charts located in the Terminal 1 Atrium that provide real-time bus information and maps for passengers who need assistance with navigating from the airport. Additionally, the airport is in the process of installing new security scanners that will allow passengers to keep their liquids in their bags, speeding up the security process.
