Despite the State-owned DAA reporting more than 33 million people passing through Dublin Airport last year, it did not actually infringe the 32 million passenger cap. This passenger limitation was implemented by planners as a requirement for the airport’s expansion and the opening of the north runway, a decision that has faced heavy criticism from airlines such as Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Data released by the State’s Central Statistics Office (CSO) on Thursday indicated that nearly 33,260,000 individuals utilised the airport in 2023. However, these figures incorporate passengers who were merely transferring flights at the airport and transit passengers who remained onboard their aircraft during its stop at Dublin, neither of which fall under the cap. The total also includes sea rescue passengers and other emergency cases, who likewise are not subject to the limitation.
The DAA, while not directly addressing the CSO data, has maintained in previous publications this year that Dublin Airport stayed within its limit, recording a throughput of 31.9 million passengers at its terminals. There were also over 1 million connecting passengers and in excess of 500,000 “other passengers”, a category covering sea rescue and other emergency situations.
In an attempt to increase the cap to 40 million, the DAA previously approached its local planning authority, Fingal County Council, last year. However, because of potential appeals, this process is expected to span two years, speculate some observers.
Ryanair’s chief executive, Michael O’Leary, strongly criticised the cap, urging the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, to either eliminate the limitation or step down earlier this year. Meanwhile, Aer Lingus’ chief executive, Lynne Embleton, described the cap as detrimental to the Republic last year.