DAA defends new T2 and its 10 flights per day

Ireland's Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has defended Dublin Airport's new EUR609 million T2 after it emerged that as few as 10 flights per day are using it (Tribune, 14-Jan-2011). The terminal opened in Nov-2010 following a EUR500,000 advertising campaign. The DAA staed operations have been "ramped up significantly" since the opening, with Etihad and Delta now operating from the new terminal. Aer Lingus has also increased service to European destinations, with all services to London now operating from T2. US customs will also be able to provide a full pre-clearance service before the end of Jan-2011

Fine Gael: "When you see T1 overcrowded at Christmas while the massive T2 lies empty, people tend to start asking questions. Everybody understands that when you open a terminal like that, it will take time to move operations over there. But there are concerns that there is not enough information about when things will start picking up. I am looking to see some assurances from the DAA along with a timetable for what flights will soon be operating from the terminal and when." Simon Coveney, spokesman for transport. Source: Tribune, 14-Jan-2011.