State spent €2.8m flying people back to their home countries last year

A charter aircraft at Dublin Airport used in the Operation Trench deportation flight last November to which the Irish Examiner was given exclusive access. See 'Inside Ireland's deportation system' below for our report, pics, and video coverage of the largest deportation in the history of the State. Picture: Chani Anderson

Ireland spent more than €2.8m on commercial and charter flights for the removal of illegal immigrants and criminals from the State last year, new figures have revealed.

A total of 205 individuals were returned to their home countries on six charter flights costing almost €1.3m during 2025 — an average of €6,243 per person.