Dublin Airport’s story begins in the late 1930s when construction began on what was then known as Collinstown Airport. Work started in 1937, with crews developing a grass airfield surface, internal roads, car parks, and electrical infrastructure by the end of 1939. On January 19, 1940, the inaugural flight from Dublin took off, heading to Liverpool, marking the official birth of what would become Ireland’s busiest airport.
August 1938 saw work commence on the airport’s original terminal building, designed by architect Desmond FitzGerald (brother of politician Garret FitzGerald). FitzGerald led a team of architects including Kevin Barry, Daithí Hanley, Charles Aliaga Kelly, Dermot O’Toole, and Harry Robson. The terminal, which opened in early 1941, drew inspiration from the tiered structure of luxury ocean liners popular during that era. This architectural achievement earned the Triennial Gold Medal of the Royal Hibernian Institute of Architects in 1942 and is now a protected listed building that continues to serve the airport.
Throughout the 1950s, Dublin Airport experienced virtually uninterrupted traffic growth, necessitating runway extensions and terminal enhancements to accommodate increasing passenger numbers. New airlines, including British European Airways, Sabena, and BKS, began serving the airport. In 1958, Aer Lingus launched a new transatlantic service via Shannon Airport, expanding the airport’s reach beyond Europe.
By the mid-1950s, it became clear that the original terminal building could no longer handle growing passenger volumes. As a solution, the North Terminal opened in June 1959. While initially intended to handle all US and European flights, it instead became the arrivals terminal for all passengers, with the original terminal dedicated to departures. The 1960s saw continued growth in scheduled carriers and aircraft types, with Boeing 737s, BAC One-Elevens, Boeing 707s, and Hawker Siddeley Tridents becoming common sights.
In the late 1960s, new departure gate piers were added near the old terminal to accommodate larger aircraft. By 1969, the airport was handling 1,737,151 passengers annually. Construction on a newer, larger terminal began in 1971, and the £10 million facility opened in June 1972, designed to handle six million passengers yearly.
The most significant recent development came with Terminal 2, which opened in November 2010 after more than three years of construction. This award-winning terminal has expanded the airport’s capacity to handle more than 30 million passengers annually. Most notably, in 2018, Dublin Airport saw the opening of its North Runway, a €320 million project that significantly expanded the airport’s capacity and operational capabilities.
Over 400 million passengers have traveled through Dublin Airport since that first flight in 1940, and in 2024, the airport handled over 34.6 million passengers, making it the busiest year on record.
DUB Quick Facts and Statistics
- IATA Code: DUB
- ICAO Code: EIDW
- 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)
- Terminals: Two main passenger terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2)
- Runways: Two, including the new North Runway
- Passenger Traffic: Over 34.6 million passengers in 2024 (record year)
- European Ranking: 13th busiest airport in Europe
- Irish Ranking: Busiest airport in Ireland and on the island of Ireland
- International Destinations: Serves over 190 destinations in 42 countries across 5 continents
- Busiest Routes: Extensive network to UK, European, North American, and Middle Eastern destinations
- Airlines: Partners with 46 airlines
- Car Parking: Owns and operates the largest car park in Ireland with 23,000 spaces
- Hub Airlines: Serves as a hub for Ireland’s flag carrier Aer Lingus and is the home base for Ryanair
- Terminal Size: Each terminal is approximately 100,000 square meters
- Current Passenger Cap: 32 million passengers annually (with application for increase to 40 million)
Terminal Facilities
Terminal 1
Terminal 1, the older of the two terminals, primarily handles short-haul and European flights. It has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years to keep pace with growing passenger numbers and evolving aviation needs.
The terminal features a comprehensive range of facilities spread across multiple levels. On the ground floor, arriving passengers will find passport control after the departure gates. For those departing, the main security checkpoint is located on the ground floor before the departure lounge.
Terminal 1 offers extensive shopping options concentrated in an area known as ‘The Street,’ featuring stores like Jean Scene, Monsoon, Travel Value, World of Travel, Wrights of Howth, and the iconic Guinness Shop—perfect for purchasing authentic Dublin souvenirs. Food and beverage options cater to various tastes and budgets, with popular spots including Butlers Chocolate Café, Cafe Ritazza, the Mezz Food Court, and the Skyview Bar.
Additional services in Terminal 1 include nursery facilities, meet-and-greet services, executive parking, and VIP amenities such as shower facilities, complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and business services within the Anna Livia Departure Lounge. The terminal also houses numerous ATMs, currency exchange services, and information desks.
Current development plans include relocating the security area to an enlarged mezzanine area, creating space for an expansion of the Terminal 1 check-in area and additional passenger services, including food, beverage, and commercial offerings.
Terminal 2
Terminal 2, which opened in November 2010, is tailored primarily for long-haul flights, particularly those traveling between Europe and North America. It serves as the main hub for Aer Lingus and hosts several international carriers, including various US airlines.
A standout feature of Terminal 2 is its US pre-clearance immigration facility, which allows passengers to complete US immigration procedures before departure, streamlining their arrival in the United States. This makes Dublin one of only three airports outside the Americas to offer this convenient service.
The terminal is a three-story curvilinear building that sits astride the main access road to Terminal 1. Terminal 2 features 58 check-in desks with ample provision for self-service and online check-in and baggage drop. It has 9,000 square meters dedicated to retail and catering outlets, with revenues from these commercial ventures helping to minimize passenger charges.
Inside Terminal 2, passport control is situated on the ground floor after the baggage claim area. The main security checkpoint is on the upper level before the departure lounge. The terminal offers premium lounges, a variety of high-end shops and duty-free stores, and diverse dining options.
Terminal 2 was designed with future expansion in mind, with provisions for an expanded check-in hall and an additional pier (Pier F) to accommodate growth. Currently, Terminal 2 houses IAG airlines Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia Express, and Vueling, along with US-bound flights.
Airlines and Routes
Dublin Airport serves as a major hub for Ireland’s national carrier Aer Lingus and is the home base for Europe’s largest low-cost carrier, Ryanair. With 46 partner airlines, the airport offers connections to over 190 destinations in 42 countries across 5 continents.
The airport boasts an extensive short and medium-haul network served by numerous carriers, as well as a significant long-haul network particularly focused on North America and the Middle East. As of 2019, services extend to 31 intercontinental destinations (not including Anatolia).
Middle Eastern connections have expanded significantly in recent years. Etihad Airways began operating between Dublin and Abu Dhabi in 2007, later increasing capacity to 14 weekly flights. Emirates has served Dublin from Dubai since January 2012, while Qatar Airways commenced daily service to Dublin from Doha in 2017.
North American connectivity is particularly strong, with a total of 22 cities in North America directly connected to Dublin by seven airlines. The US pre-clearance facility in Terminal 2 has made Dublin an attractive transatlantic gateway, with Aer Lingus developing a hub primarily for traffic between Europe and the United States.
African routes have also emerged, with Ethiopian Airlines beginning service from Addis Ababa in 2015, inaugurating the first direct air link between Ireland and Sub-Saharan Africa.
In Asia, Dublin Airport and the Irish government have long sought to establish direct air service to East Asia. This goal was realized in 2018 when Cathay Pacific launched four weekly direct flights between Dublin and Hong Kong.
Other major airlines operating at Dublin include Air France, British Airways, KLM, Lufthansa, SAS, Swiss, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and various other European and international carriers.
Ground Transportation
Dublin Airport offers multiple transportation options to connect passengers with Dublin city center and beyond.
Buses and Coaches
The airport is served by a large network of bus and coach routes, with more than 700 buses daily servicing Dublin Airport. Dublin Bus and Go-Ahead Ireland operate local stopping services to residential areas such as Santry, Swords, Rathfarnham, Ballinteer, Sutton, Malahide, Beaumont, Harold’s Cross, Terenure, Drumcondra, Balbriggan, Skerries, Rush, and Portmarnock.
Aircoach provides coach services from the airport to various areas within Dublin, including the city center, Leopardstown, Sandyford, Bray, and Dún Laoghaire. The Airlink Express Bus offers direct service to the city center, with multiple departures hourly.
Taxis and Ride-sharing
Designated taxi ranks are located outside both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. The fare to Dublin city center typically costs around €25-€30, with the journey taking approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
Ride-sharing services such as Uber operate at Dublin Airport and can be accessed from designated pickup areas outside both terminals. However, regulations on where these services can drop off passengers may apply.
Car Rentals
Several car rental facilities are available at the airport, including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt. These can be found in the Car Rental Village, a short walk from both terminals. Car rental desks are located in the arrivals halls of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Road Access
Dublin Airport is conveniently located just off the M1 and M50 motorways, 10 km north from the city center. The airport provides various parking options, including short-term, long-term, and executive parking. As the owner and operator of Ireland’s largest car park, Dublin Airport offers 23,000 spaces across various facilities.
Future Rail Connection
For many years, there were plans to extend the Dublin Area Rapid Transit (DART) to serve the airport, which were later replaced with proposals for an underground metro line. The current project, renamed MetroLink, is proposed to begin construction in 2025 and could potentially be operational by 2035, providing a direct rail link between the airport, Dublin city center, and Swords.
Airport Amenities and Services
Dublin Airport offers comprehensive amenities for travelers, ensuring a comfortable and convenient experience.
Shopping and Dining
With around 25 places to shop, Dublin Airport provides ample retail therapy options. Terminal 1 features ‘The Street,’ home to various retailers selling fashion, travel essentials, and Irish souvenirs. Terminal 2 houses high-end shops and luxury brands, along with duty-free shopping opportunities.
Dining options cater to all tastes and budgets. Popular spots in Terminal 1 include Butlers Chocolate Café, Cafe Ritazza, the Mezz Food Court, and the Skyview Bar. Terminal 2 offers additional cafes, restaurants, and bars, ensuring travelers can find suitable refreshments regardless of their terminal.
Lounges and Premium Services
For passengers seeking additional comfort, Dublin Airport provides various lounges across both terminals. These offer comfortable seating, refreshments, and business facilities. The Anna Livia Departure Lounge in Terminal 1 features VIP services including shower facilities, complimentary refreshments, free Wi-Fi, and business amenities.
Connectivity and Business Services
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals, enabling passengers to stay connected. Business services are available in various lounges, offering facilities for travelers who need to work while at the airport.
Accessibility Services
Dublin Airport prioritizes providing quality service and infrastructure for passengers with disabilities. Some airlines offer wheelchair assistance, while others outsource this service to specialized providers. The airport recommends contacting them prior to arrival if special assistance is required.
Religious Facilities
The airport features a Catholic church, Our Lady Queen of Heaven, located within the Dublin airport complex. It’s approximately a one-minute walk from the Arrivals Hall through the Short-Term Car Park Atrium.
Information Services
Information desks are available in both terminals, with the main desk in Terminal 1 located in the Arrivals Concourse, operating from 06:00 to 01:00 daily. Staff are well-trained to assist travelers with queries and provide guidance.
Future Development Plans
Dublin Airport continues to evolve with ambitious development plans to enhance capacity and improve passenger experiences.
Current Infrastructure Application
In 2023, DAA announced plans to submit an Infrastructure Application to Fingal County Council, aiming to grow the airport’s capacity sustainably from 32 million to 40 million passengers annually. Key projects in this application include:
- Expansion of both North and South Aprons
- Improvements to Terminal 1 security
- New aircraft stands on the western end of the airfield
- Enhanced drainage infrastructure
- Improved airport access and parking facilities
- Upgrades to the Ground Transportation Centre to enable more frequent and quicker bus access
The application emphasizes sustainability, with approximately €500 million designated for projects that support carbon reduction targets. All new buildings will meet or exceed Nearly Zero-Emission Building (NZEB) requirements, and new aircraft stands will feature Fixed Electrical Ground Power (FEGP) instead of diesel generators.
North Runway and Capacity Expansion
The €320 million North Runway project, completed in 2018, represents a significant enhancement to Dublin Airport’s capacity. Funded through a combination of DAA’s revenues and borrowings, the 3.1km runway is located approximately 1.7km north of the airport’s main runway.
This new runway allows for further expansion of connectivity, with connections from Dublin expected to rise by a third within ten years of opening. It enables the airport to continue growing as a gateway between Europe and North America, supporting Ireland’s long-term economic development.
Additional Projects
Other infrastructure additions planned include:
- Two new passenger piers, with one being a new north loading dock measuring 10,000 square meters across two levels, featuring six new boarding bridges
- Expanded aircraft parking and apron facilities
- An airside tunnel linking the terminal area with remote stands
- An expanded United States border preclearance facility
- Pier 1 expansion to accommodate an additional six aircraft
Future Terminal Development
Developers have proposed a new terminal to the west of the existing terminal campus, although land negotiations between owners and DAA are ongoing. The current infrastructure, according to DAA, could comfortably accommodate 35 million passengers annually, but growth is currently constrained by the 32 million passenger cap.
As Dublin Airport continues to develop, it remains focused on enhancing its role as Ireland’s premier international gateway while prioritizing sustainability, operational efficiency, and exceptional passenger experiences. With its strategic location, expanding route network, and continuous investment in infrastructure, Dublin Airport is well-positioned to serve Ireland’s aviation needs for decades to come.
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