Ireland’s aviation industry is a significant player in global transport, contributing substantially to both passenger and cargo flows. In 2023, Irish airports handled over 39 million passengers, with Dublin leading the charge, handling more than 33 million travelers. The sector has been steadily recovering, with a growth rate of 20% in passenger numbers from 2022 to 2023. Ireland manages a network of both international and regional airports, with major hubs such as Cork, Shannon, and Knock also playing key roles in the country’s connectivity. The following airports are major aviation hubs in Ireland, facilitating both passenger and cargo operations:
- Dublin Airport (IATA: DUB, ICAO: EIDW)
- Cork Airport (IATA: ORK, ICAO: EICK)
- Shannon Airport (IATA: SNN, ICAO: EINN)
- Knock (Ireland West Airport) (IATA: NOC, ICAO: EIKN)
- Kerry Airport (IATA: KIR, ICAO: EIKY)
International Flight Operations at Dublin Airport (IATA: DUB, ICAO: EIDW)
Terminal 1 (T1) is a versatile facility handling various flights, including check-in and bag drop areas, security checks, boarding gates, and a range of cafes, bars, restaurants, and shops. It is also equipped with short term car parking, making it convenient for travelers. Terminal 2, featuring Pier E, provides parking for 27 narrowbody aircraft and includes 25 departure gates and 16 immigration desks. Designed to handle up to 15 million passengers annually, it ensures efficient operations and smooth passenger flow for international and domestic journeys.
Operational Hours and Restrictions
- EIDW operates 24/7, with annual closures from December 24, 2300 local, to December 26, 0600 local, accepting emergency flights only.
- No General Aviation (GA) restrictions and no noise restrictions currently apply.
Airport Slots
- Airport slots are mandatory for all operations, including private non-revenue and charter flights.
- Request slots well in advance as short-notice availability may be limited.
- Slots are coordinated through an online system requiring an account; Just Aviation connects ground handlers to assist.
Slot Management
- Slot deviation allowed: -/+ 15 minutes, with no penalties for missing slots.
- Limited slot availability may occur during peak hours (0600-0730 and 2100-2230 local) or adverse weather.
- Confirmed slots guarantee parking, with parking spots assigned upon arrival.
Parking Information
- No time limit for GA parking. Overflow is directed to commercial parking at higher rates.
- GA parking accommodates 10–15 aircraft; rates start at 2.65 Euros per 15 minutes, increasing with extended stays.
- Commercial parking starts at 7.70 Euros per 15 minutes with similar escalation.
Prior Permission Required (PPR)
- PPR is needed for aircraft not meeting Stage 3 noise requirements.
- Issued by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) with a recommended five business days’ lead time.
Fees and Relocations
- Parking fees escalate after 24, 48, and 72 hours.
- General Aviation (GA) crews are generally not required for relocations unless the aircraft is large (e.g., Airbus Corporate Jet, Boeing Business Jet).
Also, JET A-1 fuel is available 24/7 at Dublin Airport (EIDW) and is supplied via fuel trucks from an on-airport fuel farm.
Passenger and Crew Entry Requirements for EIDW
- Passenger Passport Validity: Passports must be valid for the entire duration of stay in Ireland.
- Crew Documentation: Crew IDs are accepted instead of passports.
- Visa Requirements: Some non-EU nationals require Schengen visas, which must be obtained prior to arrival.
- General Aviation Report (GAR):
- A GAR is mandatory for ground handling and Customs, Immigration & Quarantine (CIQ) setup.
- Should include crew/passenger details and follow a specific format.
- Submission in advance is recommended.
- Departure Tax: Applicable to passengers who remain in Ireland for 24 hours or more.
Also, Dublin Airport (DUB) operates three runways with varying lengths and surfaces to accommodate different types of aircraft:
- Runway 10L/28R is the longest at 3,110 meters (10,203 feet), made of concrete, designed for high capacity, long haul flights.
- Runway 10R/28L measures 2,637 meters (8,652 feet) and is surfaced with asphalt, typically handling medium and short haul flights.
- Runway 16/34 is the shortest at 2,072 meters (6,798 feet), also surfaced with asphalt, and serves a variety of regional flights.
In 2023, Dublin Airport handled 31,908,471 passengers, marking a 14.8% increase compared to the previous year. The passenger numbers reflect a strong recovery, following the significant growth from 2021 to 2022, when passenger traffic surged by 236.2%, reaching 27.8 million. Aircraft movements also saw growth, with a total of 226,181 movements in 2023, an increase of 4.8% from 2017-2018. The airport’s recovery and growth in 2023 showcase its capacity to manage high traffic volumes efficiently.
International Flight Operations at Shannon Airport (IATA: SNN, ICAO: EINN)
Shannon Airport (SNN) has a single terminal, which is divided into two main levels:
- Ground Floor: This level handles both arrivals and departures, including check-in, security, and baggage claim areas.
- First Floor: This level is dedicated to amenities such as restaurants, lounges, and U.S. pre-clearance services.
Operational Impact
- Minimal Scheduled Operations: Commercial airline activity, such as local or regional flights, is limited and typically does not interfere with General Aviation (GA) operations.
- A Gulfstream G650 or Bombardier Challenger 350 arriving for a corporate meeting will likely experience no delays, even during peak hours.
Permissions and Slots
- PPR: Prior Permission Required (PPR) is not necessary for arrivals.
- Slots: Slot coordination is also not required
Ground Handling and Fees
- Ground Handling Fees: Determined by aircraft size.
- Additional Costs: Operators will also incur landing fees, aircraft parking fees, and overnight passenger departure taxes.
- Landing Fees: Uniform across aircraft sizes, whether it’s a Cessna Citation XLS or a BBJ.
- Invoice Requests: Estimated handling fees and associated government charges can be provided in advance upon request.
- Towing: Not typically required for smaller aircraft (e.g., Learjet 75 or Pilatus PC-24). For larger aircraft such as a Boeing 737 BBJ, towbars are available when necessary.
Ground Operations
- Parking: Self-maneuvering (power on/off) is standard for most aircraft.
- Communication: Ground handlers prefer communication via email except for emergencies or last-minute requests, ensuring prompt coordination for arrivals like a Dassault Falcon 2000.
- Ramp Access: Third-party transportation (e.g., limousines or shuttle services) is restricted on the ramp unless explicitly approved by the Airport Authority.
Screening and Customs
- Departure Requirements:
- Aircraft under 45 tons MTOW (e.g., a Hawker 800XP) are exempt from departure screening and passport control under EU regulations.
- CBP Pre-Clearance: Available since 2010 for GA aircraft.
- Applicable to private non-revenue and charter flights.
- Not available for cargo, government or diplomatic flights.
- Provides access to approximately 200 U.S. airports post-clearance, such as Teterboro (TEB) or Van Nuys (VNY).
Technical Stops
- Efficiency: Tech stops, such as for a Bombardier Global 7500 on a transatlantic journey, are generally under 45 minutes.
- CIQ Requirements: Not applicable unless crew or passengers enter the terminal during the stop.
- Turnaround Time: Refueling and U.S. customs pre-clearance for most business jets, such as a Citation Longitude, typically take 45–60 minutes.
Fuel Availability
- JET A-1 Fuel: Always accessible, 24/7, ensuring readiness for operations ranging from early morning corporate flights to overnight long-haul missions.
Aircraft Movements
- In 2023, Shannon Airport recorded 23,120 commercial movements, a 28% increase compared to 18,086 movements in 2022.
- In 2022, the airport handled 18,086 commercial movements, up 98% from 9,144 movements in 2021.
Passenger Statistics
- In 2023, the airport served 1,958,000 passengers, a 29% increase from 1,518,170 passengers in 2022.
- In 2022, Shannon Airport accommodated 1,518,170 passengers, representing a 300% increase from 379,935 passengers in 2021.
Peak Times and Restrictions
1. Dublin Airport (DUB)
Dublin Airport operates under coordination parameters set by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), with a proposed seat capacity limit of 25.2 million seats for the summer of 2025. Slot coordination is managed by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL). Peak times typically occur early in the morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and late in the afternoon (4:00 PM – 7:00 PM). Additionally, planning conditions limit the combined capacity of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to 32 million passengers annually.
2. Cork Airport (ORK)
Cork Airport follows the coordination parameters established by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), with slot coordination managed by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL). Peak times are generally in the morning (7:00 AM – 10:00 AM) and evening (5:00 PM – 8:00 PM). The airport’s capacity is limited by its runway and terminal facilities.
3. Shannon Airport (SNN)
Shannon Airport is also regulated by the IAA, with coordination parameters managed by Airport Coordination Limited (ACL). Peak traffic times typically occur in the morning (6:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and afternoon (3:00 PM – 6:00 PM). The airport faces constraints due to its terminal size and runway capacity.
Overflight Permits for Ireland Airspace
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) provides exemption conditions for overflights by foreign registered aircraft that lack an ICAO Certificate of Airworthiness. These exemptions apply to specific categories, including amateurbuilt or homebuilt aircraft and civil aircraft with a Maximum TakeOff Mass (MTOM) under 2,730 kg. Key conditions include:
- The aircraft must be used for noncommercial purposes.
- Operations must comply with daytime Visual Flight Rules (VFR).
- The aircraft must meet the Flight Permit conditions issued by its home state.
- The pilot must hold a valid license recognized for use in Ireland.
Additionally, the aircraft’s stay in Ireland is limited to 28 days unless prior approval is obtained from the IAA, except for aircraft registered in Northern Ireland. Adequate insurance coverage is required, and aircraft equipped with ballistic recovery systems must be properly labeled.
However, if the aircraft does not meet the exemption criteria or operates outside the specified conditions, an overflight permit from the IAA will likely be required.
Precision Ground Handling and Operational Excellence at Ireland’s International Airports
At Just Aviation, we deliver tailored ground handling services across Ireland’s key airports—DUB, ORK, SNN, NOC, and KIR—specializing in private and business aviation. From expert aircraft marshaling and optimizing Jet A-1 refueling to safety during ramp operations, we ensure smooth and timely operations.
Passengers and crew enjoy expedited immigration, baggage assistance, and premium lounge access. With cutting-edge all Ground Service Equipments (GSEs), we minimize turnaround times and streamline coordination. Our expertise extends to managing flight slots, air traffic schedules, and securing overflight and landing permits, guaranteeing compliance and seamless operations.