Wills Bros awarded €265M contract for Dublin Airport underpass

Mayo-based contractor Wills Bros Ltd has been jointly awarded a €265 million contract with Sacyr Ireland Ltd to construct a new underpass at Dublin Airport. The West Apron Vehicle Underpass, part of the Airfield and Landside Civil Works Framework, is a key component of the airport’s long-term infrastructure strategy and is scheduled for completion by August 2030.

The 1.1km twin-cell tunnel will connect Pier Three to the West Apron, passing beneath the Cross Runway (16/34) and four taxiways. The underpass will provide a dedicated route for airside vehicles, including cargo operators, fuel bowsers, tugs, and catering trucks, reducing travel times and avoiding long detours caused by the opening of the North Runway in 2022. The design allows one lane to remain operational during maintenance or incidents, ensuring resilience and safety.

DAA emphasises that the project supports the airport’s growth towards 40 million passengers annually while enhancing cargo and contingency operations. The works will involve 23,700 square metres of reconfigured apron and use cut-and-cover construction techniques with a comprehensive traffic management plan to minimise disruption.

Aidan McCaul, Contract Director at Wills Bros, said the project demonstrates the company’s “proven capability and commitment to excellence” in delivering large and complex civil engineering projects. DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs described the underpass as “a critical piece of infrastructure that will cut travel times, boost efficiency, and future-proof the airport as it grows.”

Read more to see how Dublin Airport is enhancing operational efficiency with this landmark infrastructure project.