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Dublin Airport to deliver a ‘bus seat for every passenger’ this year as new permits issued
Dublin Airport. Damien Storan/PA
Dublin Airport. Damien Storan/PA
Laura Lynott
Today at 12:57
Dublin Airport has announced over 35 million bus seats will be available by next year to passengers after new permits were issued to transport operators.
The increase in buses will commence from next month. There will be over 1,000 buses a day running from Dublin Airport this year, compared to 900 last year. This will rise to 1,200 daily in 2025, subject to operator rollout.
The announcement comes after DAA – who operates Dublin Airport – increased the number of taxi permits last year by 20pc.
Vincent Harrison, chief commercial and development officer at DAA, said: “The addition of more bus options will come as great news to passengers at Dublin Airport, which is already the largest bus interchange in Ireland, with services to all 32 counties on the island.
“Figures published by the National Transport Authority (NTA) show the number of car journeys to Dublin Airport fell between 2019 and 2023 and the continued focus on improving attractive public transport links to the airport is one of the reasons for that.
“The increased frequencies we're announcing will further that progress over the years ahead."
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Two new permits for buses were issued for Dublin Airport passengers for both terminals.
The DAA said this would see the introduction of a bus seat for “every passenger from 2024 onwards,” and with “more than 35 million bus seats expected to be available by 2025.”
Operators have also said capacity will be increased in subsequent years if demand requires.
Following the re-tendering process, Dublin Airport is partnering with Dublin Express, Aircoach, Citylink, Wexford Bus, Bus Éireann, Expressway and Flightlink, as well as services supported by the National Transport Authority (NTA).
The Zone 16 coach park at Dublin Airport will continue to cater for scheduled operators, JJ Kavanagh, Dublin Coach, Airport Hopper, John McGinley and M4 Direct.
Around one third (33pc) of departing passengers and one third (35pc) of the 19,900 people working at Dublin Airport travel to the campus by bus.
The DAA said it sees “strong potential to increase both percentages over the coming years.”
The increased bus services comes after DAA recently submitted plans for what it said would be an “improved” Ground Transportation Centre, as part of its Infrastructure Application to Fingal County Council.
The new centre, to be located between the airport's two terminals and close to the space reserved at the airport for a future metro stop, will include toilets, retail outlets, seating and sheltered waiting areas.
