Daa Reports Strong H1 2026 Passenger Growth and Investment
Irish airport operator daa reported 19.6 million passengers and €561.9 million in turnover for the first half of 2026, driven by travel demand and
Daa reported strong first-half 2026 performance with rising passenger numbers and international revenue growth. The operator of Dublin and Cork airports handled 19.6 million passengers in the six months to June 30, 2026, an increase of one million, or 5%, from the same period in 2025.
Group turnover rose by 5% to €561.9 million. Profit after tax before exceptional items was €72.9 million. Group EBITDA increased by 16% to €187.3 million, though this figure was impacted by accounting changes. On a like-for-like basis, excluding those amendments, EBITDA grew by 4% year-on-year. CEO Gary Owens cited continued strong demand for travel. The conflict in the Middle East was noted as a factor impacting retail and consulting profits.
International expansion and commercial wins
Daa's international businesses saw a 13% rise in revenues. The group secured a new airport management contract in Vietnam. Its retail subsidiary, ARI, won the travel retail contract at Terminal 4 of New York's JFK Airport. Gary Owens stated daa's international businesses export Irish airport management, operational and commercial expertise globally. The company performed strongly in Saudi Arabia during the period.
Infrastructure investment and capital expenditure
The group invested €153 million in capital projects during the first half of the year. This spending covered improvements to airfield infrastructure, passenger facilities, food and beverage offerings, and operational resilience at Dublin Airport. It also included continued delivery of Cork Airport’s €200 million multi-year capital investment programme. Deputy CEO Nick Cole said daa will undertake one of the largest infrastructure investment programmes in its history over the coming years. Owens added that delivering this investment requires a supportive regulatory framework.
Regulatory focus and future capacity
Leadership stressed the critical importance of regulatory decisions for future growth. The company is progressing a statutory process to lift the annual 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Nick Cole referenced recent progress, including a draft decision from the ANCA. He also highlighted the upcoming review of airport charges for 2027-2031 by the Irish Aviation Authority as critically important. Cole expressed concern that a proposed reduction in aeronautical charges would not support the funding of its record investment programme or desired improvements in operational resilience. He stated that ensuring the right balance in the final decision will be essential.
Leadership and governance updates
The period saw several board changes. Fred Barry was appointed as a non-executive director, and Kevin O’Connell joined as a Worker Director. MarkJames Ryan was reappointed as a director. The terms of former Chair Basil Geoghegan and directors Karen Morton, James Kelly, and Peter Cross concluded during the first half. The term of Risteard Sheridan was also ending. The board's collective experience spans major infrastructure, environmental leadership, and corporate governance. Gary Owens stated the Board is committed to continued stakeholder engagement and strong governance.
Nick Cole said daa will refinance existing borrowings over the coming years while maintaining safe and resilient operations. The company's priority is ensuring Dublin Airport can continue to grow and meet future demand. Daa will continue its large infrastructure investment programme and awaits the Irish Aviation Authority’s final decision on airport charges for 2027-2031.
