List of Airports in Ireland
As of 2024, there are 20 airports throughout the country of Ireland according to IATA and ICAO. Through the table below, you can find name of each airport, its abbreviation, city location, and size. Airports in Ireland are listed in alphabetical order. Please note that some airports serve internationally, while the other only serve domestically.
List of All Airports in Ireland
| # | Airport | Abbreviation | Location | Size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bantry Airport | BYT | Bantry | Small |
| 2 | Belmullet Airport | BLY | Belmullet | Small |
| 3 | Carnmore Airport | GWY | Galway | Small |
| 4 | Castlebar Airport | CLB | Castlebar | Small |
| 5 | Castlebridge Airport | WEX | Wexford | Small |
| 6 | Collooney Airport | SXL | Sligo | Small |
| 7 | Connemara Airport | NNR | Spiddal | Small |
| 8 | Cork Airport | ORK | Cork | Medium |
| 9 | Donegal Airport | CFN | Donegal | Small |
| 10 | Dublin Airport | DUB | Dublin | Huge |
| 11 | Inisheer Airport | INQ | Inisheer | Small |
| 12 | Inishmaan Airport | IIA | Inishmaan | Small |
| 13 | Kerry County Airport | KIR | Kerry County | Medium |
| 14 | Kilkenny Airport | KKY | Kilkenny | Small |
| 15 | Kilronan Airport | IOR | Inishmore | Small |
| 16 | Knock International Airport | NOC | Knock | Medium |
| 17 | Letterkenny Airport | LTR | Letterkenny | Small |
| 18 | Reenroe Airport | CHE | Caherciveen | Small |
| 19 | Shannon Airport | SNN | Shannon | Large |
| 20 | Waterford Airport | WAT | Waterford | Small |
Major Airports in Ireland
1. Dublin Airport (DUB)
Airport Code: DUB
Time Zone: Irish Standard Time (IST, UTC +1)
Address: Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Nearby Cities:
- Dublin – 6 miles (10 km)
- Swords – 2 miles (3 km)
- Malahide – 5 miles (8 km)
- Dun Laoghaire – 8 miles (13 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aer Lingus
- Ryanair
- British Airways
- American Airlines
- Lufthansa
- Delta Air Lines
- Emirates
Annual Passenger Traffic: 33 million (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Dublin Airport (DUB) is the largest and busiest airport in Ireland, located approximately 6 miles north of Dublin city center. Opened in 1940, it has evolved from a small airfield into a major international gateway, serving as a hub for both domestic and international flights. The airport has played a key role in the development of Ireland’s economy, particularly by enhancing connectivity to Europe, North America, and beyond.
Dublin Airport’s growth accelerated in the 1990s with the expansion of low-cost carriers like Ryanair, alongside national carrier Aer Lingus, which cemented the airport’s role as a major European aviation hub. Over the years, Dublin Airport has seen significant upgrades, including the construction of new terminals, improvements to passenger services, and the expansion of its runway infrastructure.
In the 21st century, the airport became a crucial link between Ireland and global markets. It handled over 33 million passengers in 2023, and its connectivity continues to expand, with regular services to North America, the Middle East, Asia, and other European destinations.
Today, Dublin Airport is recognized for its efficient services and modern facilities. It is vital not only for tourism and business but also as a major transit point for travelers moving through Europe and North America.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Dublin Airport features two runways:
- Runway 10/28: 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
- Runway 16/34: 8,000 feet (2,438 meters)
Both runways are capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, making the airport suitable for long-haul flights from Asia, North America, and the Middle East. The airport has three terminals, with Terminals 1 and 2 serving international and European flights, and Terminal 2 catering to long-haul services, particularly those from the U.S.
Dublin Airport has undergone several upgrades, including the construction of a third terminal in 2010, which helped accommodate growing passenger numbers. The airport boasts a wide range of facilities, including duty-free shopping, lounges, numerous restaurants, and transportation options such as taxis, buses, and car hire services. The airport is well-equipped to handle a high volume of passengers, with streamlined security and customs procedures.
2. Cork Airport (ORK)
Airport Code: ORK
Time Zone: Irish Standard Time (IST, UTC +1)
Address: Cork Airport, Kinsale Road, Cork, Ireland
Nearby Cities:
- Cork – 5 miles (8 km)
- Mallow – 17 miles (27 km)
- Midleton – 14 miles (22 km)
- Bandon – 14 miles (22 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aer Lingus
- Ryanair
- British Airways
- KLM
Annual Passenger Traffic: 2.5 million (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Cork Airport (ORK) is Ireland’s second-largest airport and serves as a key hub for travel to and from the southern region of the country. Located about 5 miles south of Cork city, the airport has been in operation since 1961. Initially, it began with a small terminal handling domestic flights, but over the years, it has developed into an international gateway with connections to Europe and beyond.
Cork Airport’s rise as a major international airport was significantly boosted in the 1980s with the expansion of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair. The airport became a base for Ryanair in the late 1990s, helping it to grow its network of European and seasonal destinations. Aer Lingus, the national carrier, also maintains a strong presence at Cork, offering flights to major European cities and connecting passengers to long-haul destinations.
In recent years, Cork Airport has continued to expand and modernize its facilities to keep up with growing passenger demand. It is a popular starting point for tourists exploring Ireland’s scenic southern coastline and a crucial transport link for businesses operating in the region.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Cork Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 07/25: 7,411 feet (2,260 meters)
This runway is capable of accommodating narrow-body aircraft such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320, which are the primary aircraft serving Cork’s international routes. However, it is not designed to handle larger wide-body aircraft, which limits the airport’s ability to serve long-haul intercontinental flights.
The airport has one terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. It has a variety of passenger amenities, including duty-free shopping, cafes, lounges, and car rental services. Cork Airport also offers efficient ground transportation options such as buses and taxis, which provide easy access to the city and surrounding areas.
In 2021, Cork Airport underwent a €15 million investment program to improve its facilities, including a new and expanded departure lounge, additional check-in counters, and upgraded security screening areas. These improvements ensure that the airport can handle increasing passenger numbers and provide a more comfortable travel experience.
3. Shannon Airport (SNN)
Airport Code: SNN
Time Zone: Irish Standard Time (IST, UTC +1)
Address: Shannon Airport, Shannon, County Clare, Ireland
Nearby Cities:
- Limerick – 15 miles (24 km)
- Ennis – 12 miles (19 km)
- Galway – 57 miles (92 km)
- Tralee – 80 miles (128 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- Aer Lingus
- Ryanair
- American Airlines
- United Airlines
- Delta Air Lines
Annual Passenger Traffic: 1.5 million (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Shannon Airport (SNN) is located in County Clare, in the western part of Ireland, and is one of the oldest international airports in Europe. Opened in 1942, Shannon Airport was the first airport in the world to have a transatlantic flight refueling station, which helped it establish itself as a key stopover point for flights between Europe and the United States.
The airport grew rapidly in the 1950s and 1960s as transatlantic travel expanded, and Shannon became a major hub for flights between Europe and North America. The airport’s strategic location, with the ability to serve as a technical stop for long-haul flights, played a significant role in its early development. Over time, Shannon Airport became a popular starting point for tourists visiting the Wild Atlantic Way and the west of Ireland.
Shannon has seen a decline in passenger numbers in recent years, particularly due to the rise of budget carriers operating out of Dublin and Cork airports. However, it remains an important gateway for international flights, especially to North America, and continues to serve as a major cargo hub.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Shannon Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 06/24: 10,000 feet (3,048 meters)
Shannon’s long runway is capable of handling large, wide-body aircraft, such as the Boeing 747 and Airbus A380, making it well-suited for transatlantic flights. The airport continues to serve as a stopover point for many transatlantic flights, particularly for U.S.-bound aircraft. Shannon’s facilities include a modern terminal with services such as duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges. There is also a wide range of ground transport options, including buses, taxis, and car rental services, to connect passengers to Limerick, Galway, and other western Irish destinations.
The airport is continuously investing in infrastructure improvements, with recent upgrades including the expansion of terminal facilities, improved baggage handling, and updated security systems. Shannon’s location and history make it a key international airport for Ireland, particularly for travelers heading to or from the United States.
4. Belfast International Airport (BFS)
Airport Code: BFS
Time Zone: Greenwich Mean Time (GMT, UTC +0)
Address: Belfast International Airport, Aldergrove, Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland
Nearby Cities:
- Belfast – 13 miles (21 km)
- Lisburn – 15 miles (24 km)
- Antrim – 6 miles (10 km)
- Derry – 75 miles (120 km)
Major Airlines Served:
- EasyJet
- Ryanair
- Aer Lingus
- British Airways
- Jet2.com
Annual Passenger Traffic: 7.5 million (as of 2023)
Airport Location and History:
Belfast International Airport (BFS) is the busiest airport in Northern Ireland and serves as a key hub for both domestic and European flights. Located about 13 miles northwest of Belfast city center, it is an important gateway for travelers flying to and from Northern Ireland. The airport opened in 1963 and quickly grew to handle increasing demand, especially after the Good Friday Agreement in 1998, which helped stabilize the region and encourage both tourism and business travel.
Historically, Belfast International benefited from strong connections to both the United Kingdom and Europe, with several major airlines operating out of the airport. Over the years, the airport has developed a strong presence of low-cost carriers such as Ryanair and EasyJet, serving various routes across Europe. Belfast International continues to be an important hub for regional connections, particularly for travelers heading to Dublin, London, and other European cities.
Facilities and Infrastructure:
Belfast International Airport has one main runway:
- Runway 07/25: 9,000 feet (2,743 meters)
The runway is capable of handling wide-body aircraft, including long-haul flights to North America and the Middle East. The airport is well-equipped to handle a significant number of passengers, with modern terminal facilities, including duty-free shopping, restaurants, and lounges. There are also ample ground transportation options, including buses, taxis, and car rental services.
Recent improvements to the terminal and ground services, such as the expansion of the check-in areas and increased capacity for security screening, have enabled Belfast International to handle increasing traffic, particularly from budget carriers. The airport is integral to Northern Ireland’s connectivity with the rest of Europe and the world.