Dublin’s Traffic Nightmare: Taxi Strike Disrupts Airport Access and City Travel – Everything You Need to Know!

Published on December 5, 2025

By: Paramita Sarkar

On the evening of December 3, 2025, Dublin Airport and key city routes faced significant traffic disruptions due to a taxi drivers’ protest. Hundreds of taxi drivers gathered around Dublin Airport, Merrion Square, and other key areas of the city to protest Uber’s fixed-fare pricing model. The protest, which started around 4:30 PM, saw drivers move at reduced speeds of 20 km/h, creating rolling blockades that affected the evening rush hour. The protest was the second of its kind in a week, following a similar demonstration on November 27, 2025.

What Triggered the Protest?

The protest stemmed from ongoing tensions between traditional taxi drivers and ride-hailing services like Uber. Drivers argue that Uber’s introduction of a fixed-fare pricing model is unfair, as it sets rates lower than traditional metered fares, threatening their earnings. This protest is part of a broader campaign, dubbed the “Drive to Survive” initiative, which demands fair competition regulations and protection for taxi drivers’ livelihoods. As a result, Dublin Airport became a key focus of the protest, with drivers seeking to bring attention to their concerns.

Where Did the Protest Take Place?

The protests targeted several high-traffic areas in Dublin, with particular emphasis on Dublin Airport, Merrion Square, and other key city routes. Taxi drivers converged on these areas, creating gridlock and delaying access to the airport for travelers. The protest was timed to coincide with the evening rush hour, amplifying its impact on both local commuters and international travelers heading to the airport.

When Did the Protest Happen?

The protest began around 4:30 PM on December 3, 2025, and caused disruptions until the evening. It followed a similar demonstration on November 27, 2025, and taxi drivers warned that such actions could continue if their demands for regulatory changes are not met. Despite this, as of December 5, no new protests or further disruptions have been reported around Dublin or its airport.

Why Did the Protest Happen?

The primary cause of the protest is the introduction of a fixed-fare pricing system by Uber, which taxi drivers argue undermines their earnings. Taxi operators claim that the rates set by Uber are significantly lower than the traditional metered fares, leading to a loss of income for them. In response, they have called for intervention by regulators to ensure that both traditional taxis and ride-hailing services can coexist on a level playing field.

The protest is part of an ongoing campaign that has been building in Ireland, as taxi drivers push for stronger protections and regulations to maintain their livelihoods in the face of increasing competition from ride-hailing apps.

How Did the Protest Impact Dublin and Airport Traffic?

The protest had a significant impact on Dublin’s city traffic and access to Dublin Airport. With hundreds of taxi drivers moving at slow speeds, rolling blockades created congestion on key routes around the airport. The delays affected airport access, and passengers were advised to consider alternative routes to avoid the traffic jams. The M50’s Junction 4 (Ballymun exit) was suggested as a potential alternative route to avoid the worst of the delays.

Despite the disruption, Gardaí (Irish police) and local councils worked to manage the situation and ensure the protest did not escalate into any major incidents. No significant disruptions were reported at Dublin Airport itself, but the delays impacted commuters, local travelers, and international passengers.

How Are Authorities Responding?

Local authorities, including Gardaí, worked to manage the protest and ensure minimal disruption to public safety and order. Traffic management strategies were implemented to mitigate the worst of the congestion, although delays were inevitable. The protest was closely monitored by official sources, including the Garda Traffic Twitter account and Dublin Airport’s own social media channels, which offered real-time updates to commuters and travelers.

The ongoing tensions between taxi drivers and ride-hailing services have prompted calls for regulatory action. While no immediate solutions were reached during the protest, the Irish government and local councils are under pressure to address the concerns of the taxi industry.

The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for Dublin’s Taxi Industry?

These protests are part of a broader issue within Dublin’s transport system, as traditional taxi services clash with the growing influence of ride-hailing apps like Uber. The protests are likely to continue unless regulators intervene to create a more balanced and fair operating environment. As of now, there are no new protests scheduled, but drivers have warned that further actions could be planned if their demands for fair competition are not met.

Travelers are advised to monitor official channels, such as DublinAirport and GardaTraffic, for real-time updates on potential disruptions. Dublin Airport has also suggested using alternative routes, particularly the M50, to avoid congestion caused by these protests.

Conclusion: What Should Travelers Do?

As of December 5, there have been no further reports of protests or disruptions, and traffic around Dublin Airport appears to have returned to normal. However, travelers should remain vigilant and check for updates from official sources like Dublin Airport and Garda Traffic to avoid potential disruptions during future protests. If traveling during peak hours, consider using alternative routes to the airport to avoid delays caused by these ongoing tensions between taxi drivers and ride-hailing services.

Image: Dublin Airport