Dublin Airport to enhance operations with €265m tunnel project

Dublin Airport is investing €265m in a 1.1km underpass to improve logistics and accommodate future growth. The tunnel will link the West Apron to the Eastern Campus, providing a dedicated route for cargo vehicles, fuel bowsers, tugs, loaders, steps, and catering trucks.

The twin-lane design ensures that one lane remains operational during maintenance or incidents, minimising disruption to airport operations. The project also includes reconfiguring 23,700 square metres of infrastructure, aiming to support the airport’s expansion to a capacity of 40 million passengers per year.

The contract has been awarded to a joint venture between Sacyr Ireland and Wills Bros Group, with Denmark’s Ramboll acting as NEC4 Project Manager. Ramboll describes the construction as “open-heart surgery in a live environment,” highlighting the technical complexity of executing the tunnel without interrupting daily airport activities.

Kenny Jacobs, DAA’s chief executive, emphasised the project’s focus on safety, efficiency, and future readiness. By separating operational logistics from passenger areas, the underpass will reduce travel times for ground services and ensure smoother airport operations during peak periods.

This infrastructure upgrade reflects Dublin Airport’s strategy to enhance resilience and streamline service delivery while supporting growth in passenger numbers and air traffic.

Discover the full details on how Dublin Airport is modernising its ground operations to accommodate future growth.