On 2 April 2025, the High Court of Ireland made a significant ruling on the controversial Dublin Airport passenger cap.
The Court has extended the suspension of Dublin Airport’s 32 million passenger per year cap beyond the summer season.
This decision, delivered by Mr. Justice Barry O’Donnell, keeps the controversial limit on hold. It comes as airlines like Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Airlines for America challenge its enforcement in court.
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) cannot enforce the cap until the legal battle concludes. This ruling offers temporary relief to airlines and travelers alike.
Why the Cap Exists
The 32 million passenger cap dates back to 2007. It was set as a planning condition when Terminal 2 was built. The aim was to ease road congestion around Dublin Airport.
However, the airport has now outgrown this limit. In 2024, it handled 33.3 million passengers. This was over a million above the cap.
This growth has sparked debate. Airlines say the restriction stifles expansion, tourism, and connectivity. Meanwhile, local concerns about traffic persist.
The Legal Battle
The High Court first suspended the cap in November 2024. That decision covered the summer 2025 season, from March to October. Airlines argued that the cap limits their take-off and landing slots.
They claimed it could lead to major financial losses and disrupt schedules. The latest ruling on April 2 extends this suspension further.
Key issues in the case now sit with the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU). The CJEU will decide if the cap aligns with EU slot allocation laws. Until then, the suspension stands.
Dublin Airport as a Vital Hub
Dublin Airport is a vital air travel hub, connecting Ireland to the world. Exceeding the cap in 2024 shows that air demand is soaring. Airlines essentially want the freedom to meet this rising demand.
Ryanair and Aer Lingus, alongside U.S. and Canadian carriers, say the cap harms their operations. They argue it could deter investment and tourism.
On the opposing side of the coin, the cap aimed to manage infrastructure strain. Roads around the airport often clog with traffic. Addressing travel growth and local impact remains a rather tricky balancing act.
Looking Ahead
The latest High Court ruling is a stopgap, rather than the final word. The DAA, which runs Dublin Airport, has asked Fingal County Council to raise the cap to 40 million. That decision is still pending.
For now, the suspension lets airlines plan beyond summer 2025 without slot cuts. Passengers benefit too, with no immediate risk of fewer flights. But the CJEU’s ruling will shape the future. It could take months, or longer, to arrive.
The extended suspension highlights a bigger issue. Dublin Airport’s growth is outpacing its limits. The 2007 cap made sense then, but now it’s under scrutiny.
The CJEU’s decision will clarify if EU law supports such restrictions. Until then, the High Court’s move keeps things moving, and airlines can breathe easier for now. Travelers can keep booking flights and Dublin Airport remains a key player in Ireland’s economy.
Beyond that, the cap’s final fate is still up in the air.
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The post Irish High Court Extends Suspension of Dublin Airport Passenger Cap appeared first on AviationSource News.