Dublin Airport has submitted a new planning application to increase its annual passenger cap from 32 million to 36 million. This move comes as the airport is on track to handle over 33 million passengers this year, surpassing the current limit set in 2007 when Terminal 2 was constructed.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) has filed a “no-build” application with Fingal County Council, which means it does not involve any new infrastructure. This approach aims to expedite the approval process and provide a short-term solution to the capacity issue that affects Ireland’s connectivity, tourism, and economy.
DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs emphasised the urgency of resolving this issue, stating that the airport already has the capacity to manage 36 million passengers annually. He called for a pragmatic and constructive approach to address this critical national matter.
The current cap has been a point of contention, with airlines like Aer Lingus and Ryanair challenging the restrictions. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) had sought to limit the number of take-off and landing slots next summer to ensure compliance with the cap, but this decision has been stayed by the High Court pending further legal proceedings.
In addition to the “no-build” application, the DAA has a larger infrastructure planning application pending, which seeks to raise the passenger cap to 40 million and includes €2.4 billion worth of upgrades. This application, submitted last year, is still under review by Fingal County Council.
The proposed increase to 36 million passengers is seen as a temporary measure while awaiting the outcome of the larger infrastructure application. Jacobs noted that the airport’s ability to handle more passengers without additional infrastructure demonstrates the feasibility of the increase.
However, the proposal has faced opposition from local residents and environmentalists concerned about the impact on carbon emissions and noise pollution. Despite these concerns, the DAA argues that increasing the passenger cap is essential for maintaining the efficiency and competitiveness of Ireland’s main transport hub.
The DAA’s efforts to raise the passenger cap reflect broader challenges in balancing growth and sustainability. As Dublin Airport continues to recover from the pandemic and passenger numbers rise, finding a solution to the capacity issue remains a top priority for all stakeholders involved.
The airport’s current cap of 32 million passengers was established as part of the planning conditions for the construction of Terminal 2 in 2007. Since then, Dublin Airport has grown significantly, becoming a crucial gateway for international travel and a vital component of Ireland’s economy.
Political parties, including Fianna Fáil, have pledged to address the issue of the cap and seek its removal. The DAA’s “no-build” application is seen as a sensible short-term solution while the larger infrastructure application is under consideration.
The Irish Aviation Authority’s attempt to limit slots has been met with resistance from airlines, leading to legal challenges. The High Court has referred several points of European law to the Court of Justice in Luxembourg, and a stay has been placed on the IAA’s decision to limit slots for next summer.
Kenny Jacobs has called on all parties to work together to resolve this issue for Ireland. He welcomed efforts to promote more coordinated thinking in both the planning system and strategic infrastructure development, emphasising the importance of Dublin Airport for the nation’s connectivity and economic health.
As the busiest day of Christmas arrivals approaches, Dublin Airport is bustling with activity, highlighting the pressing need to address the passenger cap. The airport’s ability to handle increased passenger numbers without additional infrastructure underscores the practicality of the proposed cap increase.
