Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has not yet met with key stakeholders in the ongoing Dublin Airport passenger cap discussion, despite the government’s promise to remove the cap as soon as possible.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport shared “Minister O’Brien will be meeting with all transport state agencies, including DAA, in the near future. The Programme for Government includes a clear commitment to working with stakeholders to lift the passenger cap at Dublin Airport as soon as possible.”
The IAA says it will issue a draft decision for winter 2025-2026 in April, with a final decision in May, but has not confirmed if that decision will include a proposed cap on winter passenger numbers.
Sarah Ryan, the DAA director of communications, shared “Mr O’Brien fully understands the economic impact of Dublin Airport at a local and national level, given his experience as a Fingal County Council councillor. Minister O’Brien’s pragmatic approach and first-hand knowledge of the challenges of the planning system will be a big asset as we work to resolve the Dublin Airport passenger cap issue.”
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) limited take-off and landing slots at Dublin Airport for winter 2024-2025 to ensure compliance with an annual cap of 32 million passengers, reducing the winter capacity to 14.4 million.
This decision by the IAA was temporarily stayed by the High Court, which is currently addressing the matter with the European Court of Justice, with a draft decision for winter 2025-2026 expected from the IAA in April.
Airlines, including Aer Lingus and Ryanair, are preparing their 2025-2026 winter schedules under the assumption that any potential caps will be suspended, urging the new minister for swift action to eliminate the uncertainty surrounding the passenger cap.
