The High Court has allowed Aer Lingus, Ryanair, and a US airline association to challenge a cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport, which is set at 25.2 million for summer 2025.
An application for a stay on the cap was adjourned, with allocation of landing slots scheduled for November 7, while existing challenges to a 14.4 million limit for the current winter have also been filed.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) imposed the limit in accordance with EU regulations for slot capacity, considering various operational and environmental factors.
The airlines argue that the IAA’s decision overstepped its authority and failed to engage properly with stakeholders, potentially leading to a reference to the European Court of Justice due to the implications for the EU-US Open Skies agreement.
