AVIATION SECTOR
Because of its position on the edge of Europe and its high dependence on world trade, Ireland is very dependent on high quality air links with the rest of the world.
In 2007 almost 31.5 million passengers passed through Irish airports, an increase of 7% on the previous year. Of this Dublin Airport which is run by the Dublin Airport Authority plc had the majority of the passenger traffic (74%), followed by Shannon (11%) and Cork (10%). Dublin Airport is the headquarters of Ireland’s flag carrier Aer Lingus, and Europe’s largest no-frills airline Ryanair. Ireland’s third airline, Cityjet, is based in the nearby town of Swords. Ireland’s domestic and regional airline, Aer Arann, provides several domestic and UK flights from Dublin, but its base is Galway Airport in the west of Ireland. Dublin Airport is the 5th fastest growing European airport and the 14th busiest airport in Europe.
Due to the phenomenal growth experienced at Dublin Airport in recent years, the facility is chronically congested. As a result a new pier (pier D) was added to the original terminal providing gate lounges to serve 14 aircraft stands. This pier came into operation in 2007. Terminal 2 is being built and should be operational by 2010, as will a new pier (Pier E) to Terminal 2. The new terminal will be capable of handling 15 million passengers a year, thereby allowing the airport to handle 35 million passengers a year. A third terminal is provided for in the blueprint for the future development of the airport. Concerns remain that the airport’s road network will become further congested until the Metro to the airport is up and running and the new roadwork is completed in 2012.