Applications for a Groundhandling Approval must be made using our application form which is available to download here.
The IAA recommends a pre-application meeting in order to understand
the type of operations proposed, to explain how the application process works and to respond to any queries
applicants may have on the
application process or on the relevant requirements of the Groundhandling
Regulations. To request a pre-application meeting please contact: groundhandling@iaa.ie.
We process your personal data in line with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. See our privacy statement here.
Please read our Guidance Note on Applying for a Groundhandling Approval before you start to complete the application form.
We also recommend that you take the time to read the Instructions for completing the Application Form for a Groundhandling Approval. These instructions contain important information for navigating through and completing the application form.
There is a fee payable on application for a Groundhandling Approval, the fee structure is as follows (effective from 1st January 2024) :
| Application fee | €2,515 |
| Annual fee | €2,515 |
| Licence amendment fee | €1,117 |
| Late fee | €2,328 |
Further details on the fees for Groundhandling Approval applications are provided here
Important Note: In addition to the Groundhandling Approval from the IAA, applicants are also required to satisfy the particular requirements of the airport operator at the relevant airport at which it is proposed to engage in groundhandling activities. A Groundhandling Requirements Form must be completed and submitted to the relevant airport operator. Click on the relevant airport below for further information:
Dublin Airport Shannon Airport Cork Airport
Insurance
The IAA requires that groundhandlers maintain adequate insurance at all times to cover liability in respect of employees, passengers, luggage, cargo, mail and third parties.
If a company fails to maintain adequate insurance cover, the IAA may withdraw that company's Groundhandling Approval.
The IAA applies the following minimum levels of insurance cover to all groundhandlers:
| Type of cover | Minimum liability |
| Public liability | |
| Airside | €127,000,000 |
| Landside | €6,350,000 |
| War risks | US$50,000,000 |
| Motor Vehicles (Property Damage) | €127,000,000 |
| Employer's liability | €13,000,000 |
| Motor Cover | |
| Bodily injury | Unlimited |
| Property damage | €127,000,000 |
| Airside extension | Yes |
* Motor Cover Insurance Requirements
With regard to Motor Cover, please note that all roads (including Airside) at a State Airport (Dublin, Cork and Shannon Airports) are deemed a public place in accordance with relevant Irish legislation and must be insured accordingly. The groundhandler is required to possess a current motor insurance policy issued under or in compliance with the Irish Road Traffic Acts. The motor policy must include a specific extension permitting the groundhandler to use vehicles airside at airports.
The following Insurance Declaration Form is required to be completed by first-time applicants and also on an annual basis by holders of Groundhandling approvals in order to ensure compliance with the insurance requirements.