The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) is contemplating putting a limit on the airlines operating at Dublin Airport, which could restrict them to transporting no more than 14.4 million passengers from the 27th of October to the 29th of March, 2025. This proposal is intended to maintain passenger numbers under a contentious cap set for Ireland’s biggest airport. The authorities had allowed this airport to start operations from its north runway in 2022 under the stipulation that the annual passenger number not exceed 32 million.
The IAA made this draft decision public recently, stating that the intention is to respect the planning conditions relating to both terminals at Dublin Airport. Should this restriction be acted upon, it will mark the first instance of the IAA setting a passenger limit on Dublin Airport.
This potential decision, to most likely be announced by Tuesday, is expected to upset airlines Aer Lingus and Ryanair, who believe the cap hinders their growth and escalates air fares because of the reduction in capacity during periods of high travel demand.
Both carriers are suspected to be among the 70 entities that responded to the proposal revealed by the IAA last month. The State-owned company that operates Dublin Airport is also believed to be one of those respondents. Neither Aer Lingus nor the airport operator would comment on the proposal, but Ryanair voiced fears that this measure could impact individuals planning to travel for the festive period, midterms and sports.
A spokeswoman for Ryanair stated that the winter capacity limit due to the antiquated 32 million passenger cap would likely lead to the most expensive fares Irish passengers have seen in some time. Ryanair criticised the limit as merely a diversion tactic used by the airport operator whom they accused of not submitting an application to increase the 32 million cap to 40 million in time. The airline also stated that the Minister for Transport, Eamon Ryan, could have introduced emergency legislation to lift the cap, although Mr. Ryan has consistently clarified his inability to influence the planning process.
DAA lodged an application with the Fingal County Council, the airport’s planning authority, in the previous year to extend the cap from 32 million to 40 million. However, it is believed that a conclusive verdict may take a substantial amount of time. Even though data suggests that 33.2 million people used its services last year, Dublin Airport did not exceed its passenger limit.
According to Kenny Jacobs, DAA’s CEO, a second application might be submitted later in the year if it appears beneficial in accelerating the process. The IAA has selected Airport Coordination Ltd as an independent slot coordinator for Dublin Airport. The company is tasked with distributing the slots to various airlines as determined by the IAA guidelines.
The IAA’s preliminary decision emphasises that it is not accountable for enforcing the yearly planning restriction of 32 million passengers. Rather, it is up to DAA to ensure adherence. Nevertheless, the mandate outlines an annual capacity limit, which the authority has the power to control.
Around 60 responses to the IAA’s draft decision are believed to have come from locals and representatives of communities living in proximity to the airport in support of the passenger cap.