Dublin Airport expands electric ground transport infrastructure

septembre 28, 2026

Dublin Airport is expanding the electrification of its ground operations with the introduction of Ireland’s first pantograph electric bus charging infrastructure. The €17 million investment supports the airport’s transition to zero emission ground transport and builds on its progress as a Level 4+ accredited airport under Airport Carbon Accreditation.

The new high power charging system supports 14 zero emission shuttle buses operated by Aircoach, serving passengers between the airport’s terminals and car parks. The buses can carry up to 120 passengers per journey and serve around 2.5 million passengers each year.

The pantograph system uses automated overhead charging arms to rapidly recharge the buses between journeys, allowing them to remain in service throughout the day without returning to a depot. A dedicated seven bay charging facility also provides overnight and contingency charging.

The infrastructure forms part of Dublin Airport’s wider Campus Electrification programme and supports its carbon reduction strategy. The project received €4.7 million in funding from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility, while Aircoach invested a further €11 million in the new electric fleet.

Replacing the previous diesel buses is expected to reduce emissions by more than 1,470 tonnes of CO₂e each year.

The project adds to Dublin Airport’s wider electrification programme, which includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, LED lighting, fixed electrical ground power for aircraft and the continued replacement of diesel powered operational vehicles.