Customs Act 2015 section 10

Customs control of movement of aircraft into and out of State

Section 10 sets out the rules governing where aircraft may land and depart when entering or leaving the State, including the obligations on pilots-in-command and airport operators regarding customs airports and approved loading/unloading locations.

• Aircraft entering or leaving the State must land at or depart from a designated customs airport, and all passengers, crew, baggage, goods and stores must be loaded or unloaded only at approved locations within that airport.
• All landings and departures at customs airports must comply with any conditions or restrictions attached to that airport's customs designation.
• Exceptions apply where force majeure (such as accidents or severe weather) or aviation law requirements compel a landing at a non-customs airport, but the pilot must notify customs and follow any directions given.
• Breach of these requirements is a criminal offence punishable on summary conviction by a fine of €5,000.