Ireland's main airport is giving its mobile version a facelift. Dublin Airport is promising a "revolutionary" application, which will be accompanied by an overhaul of its website. New features include real-time updates on arriving and departing flights (including live alerts), real-time wait times for security checks, and information on boarding gates, check-in areas and baggage carousels. Users can also book services such as parking, Fast Track and lounge access.
Dublin Airport management has stated that its aim is to become "the best airport in Europe in terms of digital services for passengers". With this in mind, other new features are set to be added to the airport's mobile application and website over the coming months. This will be based in particular on user feedback.
" We've developed our new website and app with passenger feedback in mind, and we're sure they'll love the end result. "says John Brennan, Managing Director of daa Labs, which is in charge of the project. " If you're travelling through Dublin Airport this summer, the new app will be your essential travel companion, making your time at the airport quicker, easier and more enjoyable. With a fresh new look and improved navigation, you can plan ahead, take advantage of discounts, stay informed and access all airport services at your fingertips. ".
Kenny Jacobs, CEO of daa, the operator of Dublin Airport, adds: " The improvements we've made to the website and app are a game changer for passengers and put Dublin Airport on a par with the best airports in the world in terms of its digital offering. And this is just the first phase, as many more features will be added to the app and website over the coming months. At daa, we want to take the stress out of the airport experience, and to do that it's essential to provide passengers with reliable and easy access to real-time information. We've listened carefully to what passengers want, and we've also looked at what the best consumer websites and applications offer their customers, not just in the airport sector, but also in general travel and retail. ".
Cork surfs on unprecedented momentum
While the capital's hub takes care of its online showcase, two other Irish destinations are busy modernising their infrastructure. Starting with Corkwhose airport is enjoying unprecedented growth in the country: passenger numbers have increased by more than 50 % over the last decade. This dynamic is prompting local and national officials to equip the platform with new infrastructure to absorb the growing number of visitors. traffic expected to exceed 5 million passengers a year in the coming years, compared with 3.4 million expected by 2025. In early May, an ambitious development plan worth some €200 million was made official. It will involve demolishing and replacing the old terminal and control tower with a new pier and additional aircraft parking stands, to significantly increase overall airside capacity. The plan also includes a new mezzanine in the terminal, a new security control area and a new, larger duty-free shop. The business lounges will also be modernised, the long-term car park extended and a solar farm inaugurated.
The Irish Prime Minister was quick to point to "a memorable day" for the platform: " Today is a momentous day for Cork Airport, with the launch of an ambitious development plan that underlines the importance of the airport to the regional and national economy. "says Micheál Martin. " Cork Airport has become an essential part of our national transport infrastructure and, as Ireland's most dynamic airport, its continued development is paramount. I have no doubt that the benefits of this plan will further enhance the growth of an already thriving airport. ".
Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director of Cork Airport, said: " Cork Airport is Ireland's second largest and fastest growing airport.. Our unique advantage is a friendly, simple and stress-free service, with short distances between car parks and boarding gates. We are a magic formula for passenger satisfaction. That's why, as we continue to grow, we are already proactively planning for the next six to ten years. During this period, our passenger traffic is expected to reach and exceed 5 million passengers per year. What we have announced today is a major investment plan, not just for Cork Airport, but for the whole of Southern Ireland, and our team will be proud to see it through. ".
The North is also preparing for the future
In the wake of this announcement, the investment rationale was quickly echoed further north, and even across the border. L'Belfast airport celebrated the first stage of an ambitious modernisation plan, costing 100 million pounds (nearly 119 million euros), the first phase of which (25 million pounds) has just been completed. Passengers now have access to a new Duty Free area (1,600 m²), and a new ultra-modern security hall. It is equipped with new-generation screening equipment, which means that passengers do not have to remove liquids or electronic devices from their hand luggage.
This modernisation is part of the five-year investment programme of VINCI Airportswhich acquired Belfast Airport in 2028. Work is due to continue over the next three years to support the exponential growth of the Northern Irish hub, which is forecasting another record year in 2025.
" This first delivery of the VINCI Airports to modernise Belfast International Airport is improving the passenger experience through state-of-the-art safety features and a high-quality commercial offering "says Nicolas Notebaert, Managing Director of Concessions at VINCI and Chairman of VINCI Airports. " The airport plays a vital role in aviation, tourism and the local economy and VINCI Airports is committed to enhancing connectivity and sustainable growth in Northern Ireland. "adds Nicolas Notebaert.
