Dublin Airport has entered discussions with Ryanair and Aer Lingus on measure to avoid breaching its annual cap of 32m passengers.
The cap was imposed during the approval of the airport’s second terminal, and it remains to be seen if a breach would result in any actions by objectors or planners.
Dublin Airport reached a gross total of 32.9m passengers in 2019, but the net number was 30.7m after accounting for transfers and transiting passengers. An Bord Pleanála had previously rejected a DAA bid to amend planning conditions to specify that the cap referred to “origin-destination” passengers. DAA, the airport operator, has discussed the cap with the two largest airlines at the airport. Ryanair had no comment, while Aer Lingus stated they are participating in the ongoing consultation process.
DAA plans to seek planning approval for new airport infrastructure with the aim of accommodating around 40m passengers annually.
In addition to the cap issue, Dublin Airport seeks relaxation of night-flight restrictions after a High Court stay on enforcement action by Fingal County Council. They have submitted a dossier seeking approval for new “noise abatement” measures.
“Central to Dublin Airport’s ability to meet the demands of passengers and our airline partners in the years ahead will be securing planning permission to grow Dublin Airport as the national airport to meet Ireland’s future demand for international travel,” it said in a recent presentation.
