Dublin Airport Is in One of Its Busiest Hiring Periods in Years
Rising passenger traffic through 2026 has pushed Dublin Airport into one of its busiest recruitment periods in years, with multiple employers — daa alongside ground handlers like Sky Handling Partner, Swissport Ireland, and Menzies Aviation — all hiring simultaneously. Dublin carries by far the highest volume of openings, with smaller, steadier hiring at Cork and Shannon.
Roles Available
Most positions need no prior aviation experience — employers provide paid training over two to six weeks.
- Ramp agents
- Baggage handlers
- De-icing crews
- Terminal / check-in agents
- Airport security officers
- Retail associates
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Salary by Role
Winter de-icing duty and shift work carry additional premiums on top of these figures.
| Role | Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Baggage handler / ramp agent | €2,200 – €2,600 |
| De-icing crew | €2,300 – €2,700 |
| Terminal / check-in agent | €2,200 – €2,600 |
| Security officer | €2,400 – €2,900 |
| Supervisory roles | €2,900 – €3,600 |
Requirements
The baseline requirements apply fairly consistently across employers.
- Minimum age of 18
- Secondary education, Leaving Certificate or equivalent
- Irish or EU right to work, or a valid employment permit
- A cleared Irish Aviation Authority security background check
- Physical fitness for baggage roles — lifting up to 32 kg
- Willingness to work rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays
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How to Apply
The process follows a fairly standard sequence at most Dublin-area employers.
- Choose an employer — daa, Sky Handling Partner, Swissport Ireland, or Menzies Aviation
- Prepare your CV, proof of work authorization, and education credentials
- Submit your application through the official careers portal
- Complete online assessments or a phone screening
- Attend an interview
- Clear the airside security background check, which takes one to three weeks
- Complete paid onboarding training
Visa and Work Authorization
Irish and EU citizens are eligible to apply directly. Non-EU applicants need a valid employment permit before starting, and sponsorship is less common for entry-level positions — worth confirming with the specific employer early on.
Application Tips
A few practical habits make applications stand out.
- Apply directly through official portals — avoid unofficial agencies asking for upfront fees
- State your shift availability clearly
- Don't underestimate the physical demands of baggage-handling roles
- Confirm whether de-icing duties are included before accepting an offer
- Apply to multiple employers at once to improve your chances