Why Ireland’s air travel future depends on breaking free from Heathrow’s failing system

Heathrow’s fire exposed Ireland’s risky dependence on outdated UK infrastructure — should we rethink our reliance on this aviation hub?

Airports all over the world have had to cancel flights to Heathrow on Friday. Such disruptions are a particular problem for Irish business and tourism as so many passengers travelling to and from Ireland fly via Heathrow. Picture: Shonal Ganguly/AP

A few hours before Heathrow’s disastrous fire, Doha airport held a celebration. The home of Qatar Airways opened 17 new contact gates and declared 40% more capacity, all smiling sheikhs, selfies, and smartphones, gleaming white under the intense sun.

This is the future of connectivity, new airports that tens of millions of passengers can glide through in airy comfort, seeking out the adornments around the terminal where they can be pampered for the next leg of their journey.