Arrange Assistance Before You Fly
If you or someone you’re travelling with needs extra help at the airport, our dedicated Special Assistance team is here to support you every step of the journey. From arrival at the terminal to boarding the aircraft and on return to the airport, we provide a safe, comfortable and dignified experience for all passengers with reduced mobility (PRMs).
To view a copy of our Quality Standards EC Regulation 1107 / 2006, please see below. Passengers who wish to read the Regulation which gives rise to the right to assistance when travelling by air can do so by clicking here.
How to book Special Assistance
Inform your airline at the booking stage, if this is not possible passengers should book their special assistance with the airline as soon as they become aware that they will require it to travel. Airlines will notify the airport on your behalf of the assistance you have prebooked with them.
Please submit requests 48hours before your scheduled departure time, to ensure we will be able to provide the assistance required.
On the day of travel
- Arrive early: Please allow a little extra time so we can help you move through the airport comfortably.
- Meeting Point: There is designated meeting point in the car park and in the main terminal beside our Customer Information Desk. You may press the call button at the designated meeting point in the car park or go to the meeting point beside the Customer Information Desk in the main terminal.
- Check In: Your assistance provider will bring you to your check-in area and help you with your baggage.
- Security: If you have a medical condition which prevents you going through the electronic detector, advise security staff present so we can adjust screening accordingly.
- Airport Facilities: The airport has accessible toilet facilities, that your assistance provider will help you to get to if the need arises. However, you must be able to use the facilities yourself.
- Boarding: We’ll coordinate with your airline to ensure a smooth and safe boarding process, including lifts where required.
- On arrival (return journeys): Our team will meet you at the aircraft and assist you through passport control, baggage reclaim, and to designated meeting point in main terminal or meeting point in the car park.
Contact Us
If you have any questions about our special assistance service, please contact our Customer Service Team on 094 9368100
Contact Us
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the term PRM mean?
A person with reduced mobility (PRM) is understood to mean any person whose mobility is reduced due to a physical incapacity (sensory or locomotory), an intellectual deficiency, age, illness or any other cause of disability when using transport and whose situation needs special attention and the adaptation to the person’s needs of services made available to them
Do I need to pre-book Special Assistance?
Pre-booking with your airline at least 48 hours before departure is recommended. We will always to our best to facilitate requests, but pre-booking and pre-notification ensures the correct equipment and right support is provided.
Where do I go when I arrive at the airport?
Proceed to designated meeting point in car park or in main terminal beside Customer information desk where a member of our team will meet you.
What to do at security screening if you have medical devices or implants?
Please tell the security team of any medical devices or implants – alternative screening methods can be arranged where appropriate.
Is there a Changing Places facility at Ireland West Airport?
Yes, Ireland West Airport has a Changing Places facility located in the main terminal beside the arrivals hall. This facility is larger than a standard accessible toilet and includes features like a height-adjustable changing bench and a hoisting system to assist people with disabilities and their carers.
Is Ireland West Airport an Age Friendly airport?
Yes, Ireland West Airport is an age-friendly airport, having been officially recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June 2022. It was the first airport in the world to receive this status, which is based on criteria like providing accessible facilities and an inclusive environment. We pride ourselves on our services for older people and the airport has introduced specific measures to improve accessibility for older passengers, including new car parking spaces for people with reduced mobility located next to the terminal, dedicated seating next to the boarding gates, clear signage, safe pathways, and accessible toilets throughout the airport.
What services does the airport provide for passengers with hidden disabilities?
In 2023, the airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network, offering a discreet way for passengers with hidden disabilities to signal that they may need extra time or support. Passengers with non-visible disabilities who choose to display the Sunflower will be provided with a free Sunflower Lanyard at the Customer Assistance Desk inside the Airport Terminal. Ireland West Airport was the first Irish airport to sign up to the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower network and is committed to making the airport experience as comfortable and stress-free as possible for those with hidden disabilities. All airport staff have received training to recognise the Sunflower and provide support and assistance to those wearing it.
I’m a passenger with reduced mobility and a blue badge holder – where can I park my car at the airport?
Ireland West Airport want to make travel through the airport as easy as possible for passengers with reduced mobility. To this end we have dedicated reduced mobility parking spaces available next to the Terminal building. All drivers parking in PRM / Blue Badge Parking spaces must ensure their vehicles display the appropriate sticker / badge on their windscreen to identify them as drivers with reduced mobility. If for any reason, a driver needs to bring this sticker / badge on their journey, please go to the security office located in the main terminal for a copy to display in the car while parked. Standard parking rates / online rates apply to PRM / Blue Badge Parking.
Where can I drop off a passenger requiring assistance at the airport?
There is a dedicated drop off zone in our car park to the front left of the Terminal building. There is an intercom located in the drop off zone to contact our customer service team to request assistance.
Are assistance dogs allowed at the airport?
Yes, licensed assistance dogs are welcome in the main terminal.