"Dublin Airport"

Dublin Airport is furthering its commitment to the community by proposing a brand new Aircraft Observation Facility.

This proposed development will provide a designated space for aviation enthusiasts and the public alike.

The new purpose built space will offer views across both the south runway and the crosswind runway.

The Mound – Old Airport Road

Plane enthusiasts have cherished “The Mound” on Old Airport Road as their go-to spot for watching planes for over four decades. The proposed Aircraft Observation Facility will be built there.

Owned by Dublin Airport, the new facility promises a safe and comfortable environment for visitors. It will allow unobstructed views of both the south runway (10R/28L) and the cross-wind runway (16/34).

Enhancing the visitor experience will be a dedicated car park with 22 spaces. This will include designated spots for those with reduced mobility and families.

The design will incorporate bicycle parking and a covered viewing platform with seating. Sustainability is a key feature, with the facility being fully lit by solar panels located on-site.

“Aircraft observation facilities are a common sight at airports worldwide,” remarked Gary McLean, Managing Director of Dublin Airport.

“Beyond catering to plane enthusiasts, these spaces foster a connection between the airport and the local community. This will allow them to witness the intricacies of aircraft operations.”

“’The Mound’ has served as an unofficial plane-spotting haven for 40 years. We believe it’s time to establish a more formal and enjoyable facility for everyone.”

“This has become a cherished tradition for Dublin families. We’re confident this new space will elevate the experience for all users.”

Passenger Traffic Soars at Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport is experiencing a busy summer season, with May witnessing a record-breaking 3.1 million passengers traveling through its terminals.

The busiest day of the month was Thursday, May 23rd, handling nearly 120,000 passengers, including a staggering 68,000 departures.

Football fans leaving Dublin after the Europa League Final drove the massive departure number on 23 May.

Passenger Experience

The Dublin Airport team continues to excel in customer service. An impressive 97% of passengers cleared security screening within 20 minutes in May.

Commenting on the passenger traffic statistics, daa CEO Kenny Jacobs emphasized the ongoing commitment to a smooth summer travel season.

“The summer rush is well underway at Dublin Airport,” stated Jacobs. “Our teams are fully prepared to welcome millions of passengers. They will be utilizing Ireland’s busiest airport in the coming months. Whether for vacations, business trips, or any other travel needs.”

“May saw a significant number of football fans travel through Dublin Airport for the Europa League final. This coincided with the successful launch of new transatlantic services to Denver and Minneapolis. These are already proving popular with passengers.”

Jacobs further highlighted daa’s dedication to enhancing the passenger experience at Dublin Airport.

This includes continued efforts to reduce security wait times, and the implementation of new security scanners.  

Additionally, the introduction of new food and beverage options, such as the recently opened Supermac’s in Terminal 2, has been a hit with travelers this summer.

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Ryanair is urging Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to take immediate action and scrap the 32m traffic cap at Dublin Airport.

The call follows the Winter ’24 slot allocation, which saw Ryanair allocated 1 million fewer seats than what it felt was required.

The uplift is needed to meet the anticipated demand during peak travel periods. This includes the October mid-term break, major sporting events, and the Christmas season.

The Impact of the Artificial Cap

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has confirmed that it will limit Winter traffic at Dublin Airport to just 14.4m passengers.

Ryanair says the move has forced it to reduce its planned growth and capacity at the airport.

The carrier is aiming to grow by +9% and carry 7.5m passengers to/from Dublin Airport this Winter, along with launching 15 new routes.

Ryanair has only been allocated 6.4m seats due to the artificial traffic cap.

As a consequence, the airline says the shortage of over 1 million seats compared to the required capacity is expected to have a significant impact on airfares.

As demand outstrips supply, prices could soar to levels last seen in the 1980s, making air travel less accessible for many Irish citizens and visitors, the airline warned.

Ryanair’s Forced Relocation and Lost Investment

The traffic cap has already had severe consequences for Ryanair’s operations and investments in Ireland.

The airline has been compelled to switch 3 aircraft ($300m investment), 16 new routes, and over 200 jobs to Southern Italy for Summer ’24.

This move was necessitated by the artificial traffic cap and the daa’s lack of a fit-for-purpose environmental scheme, as confirmed by the IAA.

Furthermore, Ryanair has removed its environmentally-friendly Boeing 8200 aircraft from its Dublin fleet due to the daa’s shortcomings. These aircraft reduce CO2 emissions by 16% and noise by 40%,

A Call to Action for Irish Voters

With the 2024 local elections taking place on Friday, 7th June, Ryanair issued a public call to action. It is urging Irish citizens to vote for politicians who will take decisive action to lift the artificial traffic cap.

The airline says that people must protect Irish tourism, jobs, and the economy from irreparable damage.

Ryanair argues that the daa’s repeated mismanagement of Dublin Airport should not penalize Irish citizens.

The IAA regulator recently required the airport authority to review its excessive price increases for non-compliance with EU regulations.

Ryanair: Growth and Investment in Ireland

Despite the current challenges, Ryanair says that it remains committed to growing and investing in Ireland.

The airline has now submitted proposals to Transport Minister Eamon Ryan. These urge an increase in Irish traffic by +50%, from 20m to 30m passengers by 2030.

However, the airline claims that Minister Ryan has failed to act on these proposals. It says that the inaction is causing significant damage to Ireland’s tourism sector.

Eddie Wilson, Ryanair’s CEO offered comment on the airline’s contentions. He has emphasized the urgent need for Minister Ryan to lift the “archaic and destructive” traffic cap from Dublin Airport.

Failure to do so, he warns, will result in stalled traffic growth, negatively impacting jobs, tourism, and connectivity.

Passengers will bear the brunt of this inaction, says Wilson. Airlines cannot add extra flights to meet demand during peak travel periods, forcing passengers to pay higher airfares.

Conclusion

Ryanair continues to call for the removal of Dublin Airport’s traffic cap. The airline says that the ball is now in Transport Minister Eamon Ryan’s court.

The airline argues that swift action is necessary to prevent irreversible damage to Ireland’s tourism industry, jobs, and economy.

With the 2024 local elections approaching, Irish citizens have the opportunity to make their voices heard. Ryanair has urged them to support politicians who will prioritize the growth and development of the country’s aviation sector.

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Dublin Airport Authority (daa), the operator of Dublin and Cork airports, recently published its 2023 Annual Report and Accounts.

The report details a year of significant financial improvement and passenger growth, while also outlining challenges and future investment plans.

Financial Recovery Marks Post-Pandemic Bounce Back

daa’s financial performance in 2023 reflects a robust recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the aviation sector. Key financial highlights include:

• €1.018 billion in turnover, a 35% increase compared to 2022 and the first time exceeding €1 billion. This growth signifies a return to pre-pandemic levels of activity and a strong rebound in passenger travel.
• €176 million profit after tax and exceptional items. This healthy profit margin demonstrates daa’s efficient operations and its ability to generate revenue despite a challenging economic climate.
• €31 million dividend recommended to the Irish State, the first since 2019. This contribution highlights daa’s role as a significant contributor to the Irish economy.
• €153 million in taxes paid to the State. daa remains a substantial contributor to the public purse, supporting vital government services and infrastructure projects.

Dublin Airport Nears Capacity

Irish air travel witnessed a strong rebound in 2023. Dublin and Cork airports welcomed a combined total of 36.3 million passengers.

This significant increase represents a return to near pre-pandemic passenger volumes and reflects the growing demand for air travel. Here’s a closer look at Dublin Airport’s performance:

• 31.9 million passengers processed, nearing its current terminal capacity of 32 million (adjusted for transfers). This high passenger volume highlights the critical role Dublin Airport plays as a vital gateway to Ireland.
• 97% of passengers cleared security screening within 20 minutes at Dublin Airport, exceeding daa’s target of 90%. This improvement demonstrates daa’s commitment to enhancing the passenger experience and reducing wait times.
• Passenger satisfaction scores at Dublin Airport improved by 37% compared to 2022. This significant increase suggests that daa’s efforts to improve passenger experience are paying off.

Investment Plans and Challenges

Despite the positive recovery, daa identified key challenges that could hinder future growth:

Terminal capacity cap at Dublin Airport

daa seeks planning permission to increase capacity to 40 million passengers annually to support continued growth and connectivity.

The current cap is seen as a potential constraint on Ireland’s economic development. Expanding Dublin Airport’s capacity would allow for more airlines to operate routes, potentially attracting new businesses and tourists to Ireland.

Regulated charges at Dublin Airport

daa expressed concern that these charges are lower than the average for EU capital cities, limiting their ability to invest in infrastructure and respond to airline demand for additional routes.

Lower airport charges can be attractive to airlines, but they can also limit the resources available for crucial infrastructure upgrades and expansion projects.

daa outlined significant investment plans to address these challenges and propel future growth:

• A planned €2 billion capital investment to meet Ireland’s future connectivity needs.

This substantial investment will focus on expanding capacity, improving facilities, and implementing sustainable practices at Dublin and Cork airports.

• Continued investment in sustainable infrastructure at Dublin and Cork airports.

daa recognizes the importance of environmental responsibility and aims to incorporate sustainable practices throughout its operations. This could involve investments in energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and waste reduction initiatives.

• Further development of Cork Airport, including improved passenger screening facilities.

Investing in Cork Airport will enhance its capacity and attractiveness to airlines, potentially encouraging the development of new routes and fostering economic growth in the region.

ARI and daa International

The report also highlighted the success of daa’s subsidiary businesses, demonstrating the company’s diverse portfolio and global reach:

• ARI (Aer Rianta International): daa’s global airport retail business achieved strong growth across its 27 airport locations.

ARI’s success highlights Ireland’s expertise in airport retail management and its ability to deliver a positive experience for travelers worldwide.

• daa International: This consultancy arm facilitated travel needs for 65 million passengers in Saudi Arabia through airport management and operations services.

daa International’s expertise extends beyond Ireland’s borders, contributing to the development and efficiency of airports around the globe.

Looking Forward

daa’s 2023 report paints a picture of a company in recovery mode, making significant strides financially and operationally.

The airport has emerged strongly from the pandemic, demonstrating financial resilience and a commitment to passenger experience.

 However, challenges remain, particularly regarding capacity limitations and airport charges. By securing investment, expanding capacity, and embracing sustainable practices, daa can ensure its continued success and solidify its role as a critical contributor to Ireland’s economic prosperity.

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In a rare moment for the local community and enthusiasts, a KLM Cargo Boeing 747 Freighter made a surprise appearance at Dublin Airport.

It may not have been a surprise for the enthusiasts, but is quite rare for the aircraft to rock up at the Irish airport.

Without further ado, let’s get into it…

KLM Cargo MP6122 – Miami-Dublin-Amsterdam…

KLM Cargo flight MP6122 is normally a routine scheduled flight between Miami and Amsterdam.

It was revealed that the aircraft made a planned stop into Dublin Airport today, and was not diversionary.

The flight was operated by PH-CKA.

As per data from Planespotters.net, PH-CKA is a 21.1 year old Boeing 747-400 Freighter that started out with KLM back in March 2003.

Nowadays, Martinair operates the aircraft for the cargo division of the Dutch carrier.

Of the 747-400F, the airline has three of them in the fleet, of which all are in active service.

Furthermore, average fleet age for the three aircraft stands at 20.8 years.

MP6122, the Boeing 747, departed Miami at 0500 local time this morning and proceeded eastbound to Dublin Airport.

It landed into Dublin after seven hours and 26 minutes of flight.

At the time of publication, MP6122 has since departed the Irish airport and has continued on to Amsterdam.

Unclear What The Reason for Coming Is…

It is unclear what the reason for coming into Dublin was for the KLM Boeing 747 from Miami.

What we do know is that the aircraft was on the ground for a few hours, so it may have dropped off some cargo enroute.

As soon as we have more information pertinent to the reasoning for this flight, we will update you accordingly.

Did you see the aircraft at Dublin? Share your pictures with us on social media!

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This week, Dublin Airport in Ireland is preparing for a very busy St Patrick’s week and has outlined their expectations.

This article will cover the details surrounding Dublin Airport’s expected busy St Patrick’s week, coinciding with some big events.

Dublin’s Busy St Patrick’s Week

Over the course of this week, running between Tuesday March 12, 2024 through till Monday March 18, 2024, Dublin Airport (DUB) is expecting to handle more than 650,000 passengers.

The busiest day during the week is Friday March 15, 2024, where the airport is expecting to handle 105,000 passengers.

This count is broken down as 51,000 arriving passengers and 54,000 departing passengers.

Mainly, the high passenger count during this week is not only St Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17, 2024, but also the Cheltenham Race Festival that runs between March 12 and March 15.

The rugby Six Nation’s is also on this week, with Ireland playing Scotland at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin. Before the final match of France vs England which will be held in Lyon.

Serving Carriers

Ireland’s capital airport is caters for quite a few passenger airlines, those are as follows –

• Aegean Airlines – Greece
• Aer Lingus – Ireland
• airBaltic – Latvia
• Air Canada – Canada
• Air France – France
• Air Transat – Canada
• American Airlines – U.S.A
• Aurigny – Guernsey
• Blue Islands – United Kingdom
• British Airways – United Kingdom
• Croatia Airlines – Croatia
• Dan Air – Romania
• Delta Air Lines – U.S.A
• Egyptair – Egypt
• Emirates – U.A.E
• Etihad Airways – U.A.E
• Eurowings – Germany
• Finnair – Finland
• FlyOne – Moldova
• Hainan Airlines – China
• HiSky – Moldova
• Iberia Express – Spain
• Icelandair – Iceland
• jetBlue – U.S.A
• KLM – Netherlands
• Loganair – Scotland
• Lufthansa – Germany
• Luxair – Luxembourg
• Norwegian Air Shuttle – Norway
• Play – Iceland
• Qatar Airways – Qatar
• Ryanair – Ireland
• SAS Scandinavian Airlines – Sweden
• Swiss International Air Lines – Switzerland
• SunExpress – Turkey
• TAP Air Portugal – Portugal
• Transavia France – France
• TUI Airways – United Kingdom
• Turkish Airlines – Turkey
• United Airlines – U.S.A
• Vueling – Spain
• WestJet – Canada
• Wideroe – Norway

Senior Comments

Commenting on the airport’s expected, very busy weekend, the daa Group’s Media Relations Manager, Graeme McQueen, says, “The team at Dublin Airport is ready to facilitate it all over the coming days, from the arrival home of Oscar winner Cillian Murphy, to the arrival of hundreds of thousands of tourists for St Patrick’s Day.”

“Cheltenham is always a popular destination for Irish racing fans at this time of year and this year is no different, with flights to airports in southern England set to be very busy over the coming days.”

“The influx of tourists ahead of St Patrick’s Day will pick up pace from Thursday onwards, with around 183,000 people set to fly into Dublin Airport between Thursday and Sunday ahead of St’ Patrick’s Day itself.”

“Joining them will be around 5,000 Scottish rugby fans coming to Dublin for the final Six Nations rugby match at the Aviva, as well as the many thousands who will avail of the long bank holiday weekend to go on a city break or spring holiday.”

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