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Overview & Mission

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is a commercial semi-state company (Designated Activity Company) and the single civil aviation regulator for Ireland. The IAA is responsible for the regulation of safety, security and consumer interests. The company's responsibilities are set out in the framework of applicable global, European and national legislation/regulation.

The safety regulatory functions includes:

  • Certifying and registering aircraft airworthiness
  • Licensing personnel and organisations involved in aircraft maintenance
  • Licensing pilots, air traffic controllers and aerodromes
  • Approving and monitoring air carrier operating standards.
  • Registering drone operators
  • Schedule coordination/slot allocation at Irish airports
  • Licensing the travel trade in Ireland
  • Licenses airlines and approval of groundhandling services provider
  • Monitoring and regulation of EU legislation covering Air Passenger Rights and the provision of assistance to Passengers with Reduced Mobility
  • Oversight of civil aviation security 

The IAA operates to the highest international safety standards set by:

  • International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO)
  • European Joint Aviation Authorities (JAA)
  • EUROCONTROL
  • European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC)
  • European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA)
  • European Union (EU).

These guide the IAA in ensuring that Irish civil aviation operates to the most stringent safety standards. Safety is our business and underlines everything we do.

The IAA receives no State funding

IAA revenues are generated through charges and fees raised from its airline customers and regulatory clients in respect of its operational and regulatory activities.


IAA Mission

The Irish Aviation Authority regulates to the highest professional standards to ensure a safe, secure and consumer-focused aviation environment. Through regulation, we support world-class performance and innovation in Irish and global aviation.