Increase in airport capacity is hailed as good for passengers
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) decision to increase arrival and departure slots during Dublin Airport's winter season has been hailed as 'good news' for travellers.
Passenger capacity at the airport is expected to rise as high as 36million this year – in line with the limit that its operator, the DAA, is hoping to have approved by the Fingal County Council planning department. Under the IAA decision, there will be 18 arrival and six departure slots added from October 26, 2025 to March 28, 2026, with the total runway limits increased by 41 per day.
In line with the High Court order in April – which placed a stay on the Dublin Airport passenger cap – there will be no seasonal seat cap within the parameters of operation. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) decision to increase arrival and departure slots during Dublin Airport's winter season has been hailed as 'good news' for travellers. Pic: Mark Gusev/Shutterstock
Travel industry expert Eoghan Corry explained: 'It's equivalent of parking where you shouldn't but not getting a ticket.' He said the move was 'good news for passengers flying out of Dublin' as it is the only airport in Ireland where there were 'slot allocations'. He added: 'This will result in cheaper flights, especially around Christmas, as there isn't a huge demand in the winter months.
'The times you will see price increases will be for large sporting events around rugby, soccer or something like concerts but there's not too many of those during those months.'
In the report, the IAA said it focuses on a 'maximal rather than minimal approach' to airport capacity parameters. The decision was supported by Aer Lingus and Ryanair, as between them,they have 80% of the slots based at Dublin Airport as they operate the majority of flights. Ireland, Dublin, Dublin International Airport, Terminal 2, exterior. Pic: Getty Images
The IAA added that in light of the recent order of the High Court, it will not 'take account of certain planning conditions which limit the 'combined capacity' of Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 to 32million annual passengers'.
It said that 'no seat cap coordination parameter is included for winter 2025'. Ryanair said the additional runway capacity in the draft decision is a 'necessary and welcome development'.
'It aligns with the national aviation policy and supports the growth and connectivity objectives of Dublin Airport. The increased capacity will enhance operational efficiency, reduce delays, and improve the overall passenger experience' the budget airline said. It added that 'we consider this development as crucial for maintaining Dublin Airport's status as a key gateway to Ireland and for supporting the island economy'. Pic: Mark Gusev/Shutterstock
In March, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it is important to get the Dublin Airport passenger cap lifted. The Government could introduce legislation to raise the cap, marking a major intervention from the Coalition.
The Taoiseach told Newstalk: 'We're looking at every option to get this sorted, because I think it is a significant economic issue for the country, not just for Dublin. I think the cap was put in for a different reason, which is now expired in terms of the reasoning. 'Whatever we do has to be within the proper legal
framework and we're conscious that anything we may do could be subject to challenge, but that said there is an imperative to get it lifted, in my view.' Pic: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie
Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien has received legal advice from the Attorney General which could allow legislation to carve the decision out from planning laws. It is claimed that a 2022 precedent on temporary energy generation could be used, but it would not be riskfree and could be subject to legal challenges.
It is thought that the draft options for moving forward are expected to arrive at the minister's desk in the coming weeks. Aer Lingus did not respond to a request for comment. news@dailymail.ie
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