Dalton Philips, chief executive of Dublin Airport operator daa, used its Platinum Services private terminal at the weekend, the Oireachtas Committee on Transport heard today.
But he "categorically" denied that he did so to avoid airport queues.
Dublin Airport's website states customers of this service can enjoy "VIP personalised treatment" with rates from €295.
Mr Philips flew out to the Middle East on Saturday and said he had to be airside by 4pm.
He was asked by Senator Lynn Boylan if he used Platinum Services "because you knew there were delays at the airport".
The daa boss replied: "Categorically not" adding that at the time he departed, the queues were OK.
"If there had been an issue, I would not have got on the flight," he stated.
He said when he landed [in Saudi Arabia] and heard about the situation at Dublin Airport, he returned immediately.
"Having flown through the night, I turned around ... took another night flight and came straight back."
Mr Philips said he liked to use all the different ways to travel through the airport, including the normal process, Fast Track and "sometimes Platinum Services" but "I don't use it very much to be honest".
He added: "I think it's important to experience all our products."
Senator Boylan asked the daa CEO if the cost of Platinum Services was paid by himself.
Mr Philips replied: "I don't personally pay for it, it's a charge that is made into my travel budget."
He added that there was "no such thing as a free travel pass" through Platinum Services - "it's not a product we use willy nilly".
He said Platinum Services was the airport's "best performing business over the pandemic period" as people were concerned about travelling during Covid.
Asked if he availed of a chauffeur service to the plane, he said "this is a product where you are taken to the aircraft by a different vehicle".
Senator Boylan also asked him if it was in the interests of Dublin Airport to have queues so people would want to pay extra for services such as Platinum and Fast Track.
Mr Philips said that was "absolutely not the case at all".
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What's on offer in Platinum Services?
Rates to use this service at Dublin Airport start at €295, according to its website.
Customers can avail of "luxury private suites" and a "complimentary menu".
They also get a chauffeur service to the aircraft.
Platinum Services offers the "ultimate in luxury travel" for honeymoon couples who want "VIP treatment".
This service starts at €485 per couple and includes champagne and chocolates on arrival and "a special gift for your travels".
