The Irish Aviation Authority revealed plans to add up to 25 daily take-off and landing slots at Dublin Airport for summer 2026 to boost competition.
The decision follows a High Court suspension of a summer 2025 passenger cap, pending a European Court of Justice ruling expected by summer 2026. Dublin Airport is projected to handle 36.3m passengers in 2025, exceeding the 32m annual cap set in 2007 for Terminal 2.
Aer Lingus and Ryanair are seeking judicial reviews against An Coimisiún Pleanála’s cap of 35,672 annual night-time flights, arguing it undermines noise management.
The IAA’s draft capacity plan for summer 2026 avoids implementing a seat cap, aligning with the High Court’s order.
The Irish Aviation Authority shared: “In accordance with the order of the High Court that, pending the determination of associated legal proceedings, the IAA is not to take account of certain planning conditions which limit the combined capacity of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to 32 million annual passengers, we do not propose to implement any seat cap coordination parameter for summer 2026.”
Aer Lingus shared: “An Coimisiún Pleanála’s decision to introduce an annual cap on the number of night flights at a level of 35,672 movements undermines the modern noise quota system proposed by the Aircraft Noise Competent Authority, and which balances the interests of residents and the airport.”
Kenny Jacobs shared: “We welcome the clarity [the]decision brings, which removes uncertainty for Dublin Airport and the airlines, as well as having a positive impact on jobs and investment in Ireland. A balance has to be struck between this and the needs of those living close to the airport. Taking a Judicial Review against the NRRA would open the airport to further prolonged uncertainty and hamper our ability to progress our application to lift the airport passenger cap through the planning system.”
