Passenger Guide to Flying by Helicopter in or out of Dublin City

Dublin City Centre or Airports

Executive Helicopters provides charter to and from any destination in Ireland.  Outlined here is a summary guide to flying in an out of Dublin City.  Dublin City is a built-up area with limited landing locations and only a handful of hotels on the outskirts which have facilities, (namely the K Club and Powerscourt which are available to residents only)  Outlined are the main 3 public facility options available.   Namely Dublin International Airport, Weston Airport and Ballyboughal Airfield.

Dublin International Airport –EI-DW

Dublin International Airport is the busiest of airports in Ireland.  The airport is located 7 km north of Dublin, in Collinstown, near Swords, Dublin.  Approx. 25minute drive (18km from City Centre Merrion Hotel etc)  Time delays can be expected when departing or arriving to Dublin Airport with Air Traffic, with priority given to Scheduled Airlines over Helicopters and Private Jets.

• Procedure

Full check-in and security clearance screening is required as that with boarding or departing a plane regardless of purpose.   This is a time-consuming process as with any International Airport.  The Services of an FBO Handling Company (Universal or Signature Flight support) will be required to transport by minibus to or from the Helicopter between Runway (Airside) and Terminal (Landside).  Meeting points will be either the FBO office or Platinum Services.  Please note  Passengers will be required to make their own way to check-In or departures, Arrivals, etc unless using additional service of DAA Escort Service (detailed below).

• Additional service’s – Completer Door to Door Service

For an Additional fee DAA Platinum Services can be arranged to compliment this service by linking in with the FBO and providing a swift track escort through the check-in or arrivals process (immigration etc,). This will provide a complete door to door service.  However, it is pricy at approx. €200+pp

Executive Helicopters will advise and arrange on behalf of the customer all necessary the approvals arrangements etc.

To Fly in or out of Dublin International Airport, costs of approximately €900+ upwards are to be expected.

• Carparks: Dublin Airport has long and short term Car parks

 Weston Airport – EI-WT

Weston Airport is located between Leixlip, County Kildare, and Lucan, Dublin 8 NM (15 km; 9.2 miles west of Dublin, or 19km  (29minutes drive from Dublin City Centre Merrion Hotel).  If flying to west of Ireland it is on-route thereby reducing costs and flight time required.   Its traffic is primarily private and commercial flight training as well as business/executive. Just to note, this is a private airfield so remember opening & closing times will be a consideration.

Developed by Jim Mansfield over many years is a well facilitated airport with Restaurant, Bar etc, with comfortable waiting area’s etc.  Access to the helicopter is convenient with just a few minute’s walk from the exit door to the helicopter.

Weston Airport has ample size carpark at the entrance (walk directly in ) and is free of charge.

Ballyboughal Airfield  – EI-BB

Ashton Broc, Ballyboughal, Co. Dublin (North Dublin near Dublin Airport).

Ballyboughal Airfield is a family run grass airfield within the Dublin Control Zone.  It is home to several historical aircraft and Balheary model flying club. Local scouting groups also use the facility for Air-Skills and other educational activities.  All of our aircraft movements are subject to flight plans and are monitored and controlled by the Dublin Airport Control Tower.  Prior permission required in all cases.  It is approx. 11km (15minute drive) or  Approx.  29km (29minute drive) from Dublin City Centre Merrion Hotel.

This Airfield given its proximity to Dublin Airport is especially advantageous as an alternative option when arriving into Dublin Airport.

Baldonnell – EI-ME

It may also worth briefly mentioning Baldonnel as occasionally mentioned in requests. Baldonnel Aerodrome  is a military airbase to the southwest of Dublin. It is the headquarters and the sole airfield of the Irish Air Corps, and is also used for other government purposes.  Note it is not under any circumstances possible to fly Civilians in or out of this airfield.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Useful Information

 

 

 

• Cost Savings Tips

Note: Weston Airport and Ballyboughal Airfields can be used as convenient alternatives to Dublin International Airport even for Airport transfers.  A chauffeur car can easily be organised with our partners to meet and greet at arrivals at the airport and swiftly transfer to the airfield.  Travel time approx. 15-20 minutes.  This can reduce time and costs considerably, by avoiding the hassle of re-entering Dublin Airport security screening ques and FBO escort.  Also avoiding possible air traffic delays for take-off clearance.  Costs will also be significantly reduced with savings of minimum €800 on any single flight.

Consideration should also be taken on direction of where flying to.  Weston Airport can reduce flight time when flying to West of Ireland whereas Ballyboughal may be more convenient for Belfest and Northern flights

 

• International Flights

For  International flights, (which includes Northern Ireland) prior clearances of a minimum of 24hours is required from the relevant authorities.  So please ensure Valid passport details for all passengers are submitted to Executive in ample time to ensure your flight proceeding.

 

• Luggage

Baggage compartments in Helicopters tend to be limited and are angled (structured around the engine) simple case stacking will not be possible and providing dimensions will generally be of little value, Soft rucksack type bags will guarantee you that valuable extra room.   As a general rule of thumb allow an airline carryon bag per person, or a set of golf clubs (no international travel carry covers or box’s.