- DAA submitted formal request under new Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026
- Current cap of 32 million was set in 2007; airport handled 36.4 million passengers last year
- Department of Transport has up to 28 weeks to make decision; Minister aims to expedite process
- No new construction required; EIA not mandatory but environmental data provided
- Decision affects Irish tourism, employment, and international flight connectivity
The DAA has formally requested Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien to raise the annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport from 32 million to 40 million. The move follows new emergency laws designed to bypass long-standing planning blockages. Airport operator DAA submitted the formal request under the recently passed Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026, which grants the Minister for Transport the power to alter or completely axe the cap. Passenger levels at Dublin Airport already far exceed the existing limit, with the facility handling 36.4 million passengers last year.
The 32 million limit was originally put in place by planners in 2007 to manage road traffic and public transport limits around Terminal 2. DAA notes that modern upgrades such as digital check-ins allow the current buildings to accommodate more passengers without requiring new construction. Because no building work is required for the proposed increase, an Environmental Impact Assessment is not legally mandatory, although DAA has submitted environmental data to the Minister to help speed up the decision. The new law gives the Department of Transport up to 28 weeks to alter or revoke the passenger limit.
The Department has stated that Minister O’Brien intends to finish the process in far less time to avoid damage to Irish tourism, jobs, and global flight connections. Airlines have expressed strong support for the cap increase, citing the urgent need to accommodate growing passenger numbers. Local environmental groups have raised concerns about increased traffic and emissions. The decision will have significant implications for Ireland’s connectivity and economic growth.
Minister Darragh O’Brien shared the Department intends to finish the process in far less time than the 28-week statutory period to avoid damage to Irish tourism, jobs, and global flight connections.
