Most commonly reported Work Activities

•   Performing for or Working Directly with the Public Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
•   Handling and Moving Objects Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
•   Operating Vehicles, Mechanised Devices, or Equipment Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanised equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
•   Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
•   Assisting and Caring for Others Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
•   Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
•   Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
•   Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
•   Performing General Physical Activities Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
•   Communicating with Persons Outside Organisation Communicating with people outside the organisation, representing the organisation to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Working Life

Airport baggage handlers transport, load, unload and stow baggage and freight. They check luggage against flight lists and load baggage using lifting equipment. Smaller items may be loaded by hand.  
 
Outgoing baggage is taken to the aircraft, while incoming baggage is taken to the reclaim conveyor belts. It is sorted to ensure that each article is loaded onto the correct aeroplane or conveyor. Baggage handlers need to work both quickly and accurately while taking care not to cause damage.  
 
Baggage handling staff have responsibility for keeping an eye open for suspicious looking freight or baggage items. Suspicious items are reported to airport security or the police.  
 
In smaller airports, baggage handlers may also clean both the interior and exterior of aircraft. In winter, they also de-ice the aircraft. They may also help with portering, keeping the runways clear of birds, and helping disabled people onto aircraft. They work in terminals or warehouses and outdoors in all weathers. Most handlers drive baggage trucks to and from the airport.  
 
At larger airports, some manual work has been taken over by machines. Computers may control the loading and unloading of baggage. Baggage handlers may also be called airport hands, operatives or ramp agents. Baggage handlers wear protective clothing or uniforms.

The DAA is responsible for managing the operation of Dublin Airport and for the provision of infrastructure to enable airlines and handling agents to operate efficiently and effectively.

Some airlines provide their own ground baggage handling services for their passengers.

All ground handling companies are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation (CAR) which is independent of the DAA. The full contact details for self handlers and third party ground handling companies at Dublin Airport can be accessed in the document below.

Ground Handlers at Dublin Airport

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Receive and mark baggage by completing and attaching claim checks.
• Greet incoming guests and escort them to their rooms.
• Transport guests about premises and local areas, or arrange for transportation.
• Maintain clean lobbies or entrance areas for travelers or guests.
• Transfer luggage, trunks, and packages to and from rooms, loading areas, vehicles, or transportation terminals, by hand or using baggage carts.
• Supply guests or travelers with directions, travel information, and other information, such as available services and points of interest.
• Explain the operation of room features, such as locks, ventilation systems, and televisions.
• Assist physically challenged travelers and other guests with special needs.
• Deliver messages and room service orders, and run errands for guests.
• Pick up and return items for laundry and valet service.

Further Information

• Airport Baggage Handler- from: N.C.S. [UK]

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

 Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

 Administrative

Administrative people are interested in work that offers security and a sense of being part of a larger process. They may be at their most productive under supervisors who give clear guidelines and while performing routine tasks in a methodical and reliable way.

They tend to enjoy clerical and most forms of office work, where they perform essential administrative duties. They often form the backbone of large and small organisations alike. They may enjoy being in charge of office filing systems, and using computers and other office equipment to keep things running smoothly. They usually like routine work hours and prefer comfortable indoor workplaces.

 Social

The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.

Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.

Applicants must be aged over 18.  New entrants come from a wide range of backgrounds.

A Manual Handling Skill Cert may be required for loading & unloading heavy items.

Training may be on-the-job and covers the use of equipment such as conveyors and how to deal with lost and suspicious items.  

A Full Drivers Licence is preferable - limited positions for non-drivers. Similarly you will need to successfully obtain a Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) ID whereby you will undergo Garda Vetting.

Please note if you have ever worked or lived abroad when you were over the age of 18, for a period of 6 months or greater, Security Clearance dated within the last 6 months will be required, based on the Aviation regulatory authority approved handlers.

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €25k - €44k

Salaries vary by shift pattern, employer, duties, role, location.

Data Source(s):
Indeed.com/ Glassdoor/ Talent.com

Last Updated: February, 2024

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Marine and waterways transport operatives, Air transport operatives, Rail transport operatives, Bus and coach drivers, Train and tram drivers, Van drivers, Other drivers and transport operatives n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Van and bus/coach drivers account for the largest share of employment within this occupational group. Employment growth was above average, primarily related to growth between 2018 and 2019; employment levels in 2023 were broadly in line with levels in 2021. The new quota for employment permits for bus/coach drivers in December 2022 resulted in 216 new permits issued in 2023.

There was a relatively high share of vacancies advertised through DSP for bus and coach drivers and Skills for Growth data noted issues with recruiting bus drivers. With over a third aged 55 years and older, openings may be more frequent in coming years due to replacement demand. The NTA and operators have engaged in extensive recruitment campaigns and open days recently along with introducing an employee referral programme. Despite this, shortages of bus and coach drivers persists.

• Aer Lingus

  • Head Office, Dublin Airport
  • 1890 800270
  • Click Here

• Dublin Airport Authority

  • Head Office, Dublin Airport, Co Dublin
  • (01) 814 1111
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here