A date in December has been confirmed by the High Court to address a conflict regarding a verdict by the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to restrict the number of travellers at Dublin Airport in the forthcoming winter season. The IAA revealed in May that a seating restriction of approximately 14.4 million patrons at Dublin Airport would be in effect for winter, starting from October 27th, 2024 through to March 29th, 2025.
The airport’s governing body, the DAA, along with airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair, lodged individual High Court objections against the judgment, requesting the verdict to be overturned. Justice Niamh Hyland indicated during Wednesday’s proceedings that the disputes will be deliberated upon in December.
She also took note of the IAA’s arguments requesting a November hearing date in light of the anticipated 2025 summer passenger tally decision due by October 3rd. However, the DAA, Aer Lingus, and Ryanair argued against the urgency of the issue. They contended that the decision for summer 2025 would probably bring forth another legal obstacle and therefore, both seasonal issues should be discussed collectively.
Nonetheless, the judge clarified that the case at hand solely addressed the decision regarding winter 2024 made on May 7th, adding she could only provide directions and schedule the case accordingly, but would take into account that a decision for the summer season of 2025 was imminent.
The presenter expressed the multifaceted nature of the three complex cases on hands, including potential for an appeal or a referral application to the Court of Justice in the European Union. A four-day duration would be required to address these challenges, she commented.
She acknowledged the forthcoming lengthy court recess during August and September, which would need to be followed by a considerable period of judgement preparation by the presiding judge.
In agreement with the IAA’s suggestion, she opted to establish a date for the present challenge while also keeping room for any potential further challenge (pertaining to the summer 2025 decision). December 3rd was scheduled for the hearing, she confirmed.