People with a disability or reduced mobility are advised to give themselves plenty of time and alert Dublin Airport well in advance of their trip to allow for any unforeseen delays or problems that may arise.
Dublin Airport is extremely busy and delays do occur so other general advice is to make yourself as comfortable as possible, wearing loose fitting clothes, with no belts, easily removable clothing items as well as slip-on shoes and little or no jewellery.
Services for disabled and reduced mobility passengers at Dublin Airport include;
- Dedicated set-down areas for cars
- Tactile paving
- Disabled Assistance Reception points
- Relief areas for guide-dogs (located in Terminal 2)
- Voice overs in lifts and amplification induction loops
- Privacy rooms are located in both terminals
- Accessible retail
- Catering areas
- Changing areas for disabled adults
- Specially adapted facilities including toilets and lifts with clear signposts
Reduced Mobility
Dublin Airport will try to provide persons with reduced mobility (PRM’s) with as much assistance as they can. The airport are obliged to provide assistance, however you must contact them at least 48 hours in advance of arriving at Dublin Airport to provide information on what assistance you may require*
Reduced Mobility assistance is provided by a private family-owned company called OCS (mobile assistance) at Dublin Airport, and they can provide wheelchairs for passengers, a member of staff to walk alongside a passenger to provide support, but they can also provide “golf cart” type vehicles to drive passengers with reduced mobility to their destination.
When arriving at Dublin Airport, passengers can use one of the many Help Points located throughout the campus to gain assistance or can go to the OCS reception desk on the departures floor in Terminal 1 (to the right-hand side when entering through door 2) or in the check-in level in Terminal 2, adjacent to the dedicated drop-off zone for reduced mobility passengers
OCS can organise to have you taken quickly through customs and out of the airport to meet with your airport bus or taxi. OCS can also provide an ambi-lift (a type of vehicle) for larger aircraft to help passengers board and disembark from the airplane, as well as hoist devices to help passengers take their seats on the plane.
*Dublin Airport Authority also recommend that if you’re travelling via a tour operator or travel agent, that you contact them directly regarding any reduced mobility needs you may require as Dublin Airport’s safety regulations may affect reduced mobility requirements for example as regards onwards travel. The tour operator is then obliged to contact the air carrier 48 hours before your flight to inform them of your assistance requirements.
Wheelchair Users
Dublin Airport provides assessable toilet facilities for wheelchair users as well as for your assistance provider.
Passengers with Autism
If you contact the Dublin Airport Authority ahead of your trip they can provide a wristband/lanyard for passengers with autism, which will highlight that the passenger is an “important flyer” and will help airport staff identify passengers who may need assistance at passport control or whenever you may be stuck in a queue at the airport.
Dublin Airport Authority require you email them in advance with a note from your doctor which confirms that the passenger has been diagnosed as autistic prm@daa.ie or post to Dublin Airport Customer Experiences, Level 5, Terminal 1, Dublin Airport, Co. Dublin. You can also phone the Dublin Airport Authority on +353 1 814 4695
Passengers are asked to fill out the form at this link to provide details of autistic passengers for whom the important flyer lanyard/wristbands are requested.
https://www.dublinairport.com/at-the-airport/help-and-support/travelling-with-autism
Disabled Driver Services
The Disabled Drivers Association of Ireland https://www.ddai.ie/ can provide disabled drivers with a badge that will permit you to park in the accessible spaces in the short term carparks in Dublin Airport for a reduced rate, as well as providing free public disc parking in Dublin city.
Dublin Airport has over 90 car parking spaces designated for disability permit holders, which are spread out through each level of the short term car parks located adjacent to the two terminal buildings.
Reduced Mobility Assistance Service Providers can be contacted on +353 1 7047783.
Passengers with Reduced Mobility are asked to provide details of their vehicle and permit using this form
https://www.dublinairport.com/car-parks/reduced-mobility/prm-form
Platinum Services Area
For passengers with a disability who wish to avoid the rush of the airport altogether Dublin Airport offer a Platinum Services package. You will avoid the main airport and instead be brought via a private car park to a suite where you can relax while you await your flight. You will then be transferred directly to your aircraft in a suitable vehicle.
Fast Track Service
A cheaper alternative to Platinum Services, which still allows you to skip through most of the traffic at Dublin Airport is the Fast Track Service. For as little as €7.99 you can be brought directly through the check-in via a dedicated Fast Track route. You’ll also receive a complimentary tea or coffee and receive flight status updates by text message. Fast Track is available through both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2. To book simply visit the Dublin Airport Fast Track page
https://www.dublinairport.com/enhance-your-journey/fast-track
PRM access on Airlink Express
The Airlink Express buses are all wheelchair accessible with ramps that extend out from the bus to the kerb to allow PRM’s to access with ease. The front of the bus also lowers or “kneels” to further assist access. The DoDublin Sales Promoters are available to assist PRM’s at both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Sensory Room at Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport has a purpose-built sensory room, which may help to calm passengers who might feel overwhelmed in busy and unfamiliar airport surroundings.
The Sensory Room space is located after security screening and just before the 400 gates, and is designed specifically for people with autism, dementia, cognitive impairment or other special needs.