The Dublin Airport authority plans to increase passenger charges to fund future investment in services at the airport.
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, a spokesperson for Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) said that a recent submission to increase passenger charges is “critical” to enabling the recovery of Ireland’s gateway not only for the next four years but for the remainder of the decade.
The Irish Times had earlier reported that the DAA have asked regulators for an increase in charges from €8.50 to €14.58 by 2026 to "support plans for a near €2.5 billion expansion of its facilities."
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In a statement to the Irish Mirror, the DAA described its “ultra-low” passenger charge as “unsustainable” and that despite the proposed increase, it will remain among the lowest of any major European airport.
The passenger charge is the amount that airlines are charged for the use of runways, terminals and the associated services provided by the airport. Airlines then pass on part or all of this charge to customers booking flights.
Of the Commission for Aviation Regulation’s decision on the proposed price increase, the spokesperson said: “ (They) must take account of the current reality at Dublin Airport, which is experiencing its third year of COVID-19 related commercial and financial damage.”
The statement acknowledges that passengers expect a swift return to pre-pandemic service levels but that it will take time, investment and additional human resources to improve the current standards.
“The submissions submitted set out in detail the plans for investment in facilities and services at Dublin Airport to ensure a great proposition for passengers and airport users.” he said.
Security recruitment
In relation to recruitment, the spokesperson said: “Security staffing levels are now approaching 2019 levels” and that the DAA is on track to increase from 452 staff in October 2021 to 920 by the end of July.
According to the spokesperson, they have received over 5,000 applicants for new jobs in security at Dublin Airport and that there is no upper limit set on how many security staff DAA will look to hire. The spokesperson said they will continue to hire over the months ahead to meet demand.
“The ramp up in security personnel and ongoing measures implemented by DAA have resulted in 93% of passengers queuing for 45 minutes or less over the month of June.” He said.
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