- A4A warns of risk of forced slot reductions at Dublin Airport.
- The passenger cap stands at 32m annually.
- Dublin Airport handled 36.4m passengers last year.
- Legislation to remove the cap is expected before July 16.
- Enforcement of the cap may begin in September.
Airlines for America has warned of a significant risk of forced slot cuts at Dublin Airport as it has asked the US government to monitor legislative developments. The lobby group has pushed for action against Irish carriers until the passenger cap is removed. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has indicated that legislation to pursue removal of the cap will be enacted before the Dáil breaks for the summer.
The cap technically limits annual passenger traffic at Dublin Airport to 32m although the airport handled 36.4m last year. Airlines for America has claimed the cap has harmed the economic interests of its member airlines including Delta, JetBlue and United. The organisation has requested additional time until 20 July to allow for legislative progress.
The Irish Aviation Authority may enforce the passenger cap by limiting slots by September. The Court of Justice of the European Union is likely to make a ruling in September. Winter scheduling for 2026 and summer scheduling for next year could face disruption in coming months.
A4A shared in a new submission to the US Department of Transportation. “The core issue in this proceeding – the Dublin passenger cap and its impact on slot availability – is actively being addressed through imminent legislative action. That process offers a realistic opportunity to resolve the dispute without regulatory intervention. In the meantime, the risk of forced slot reductions and resulting disruption to transatlantic aviation remains significant. Allowing additional time until July 20 will help ensure that these harms are avoided and that any resolution is durable, orderly, and consistent with international obligations. With the current legislative session scheduled to conclude on July 16, timely enactment is critical to avoid disruption to the winter 2026 scheduling season.”
