The High Court's agreed to pause the effects of a Dublin Airport passenger cap that was due over the summer 2025 period. Aer Lingus, Ryanair and various US carriers brought an urgent application over the decision by the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) decision to limit passenger numbers to 25.2 million between late March and October.
They claim they will suffer significant harm because the seat cap would deprive them of some of their “use them or lose them” take-off and landing slots.
Welcoming the news, Ryanair says its regrettable that the airlines had to take legal action to put a stay on the cap, while the Dublin Airport Authority says today's decision will be welcomed by aviation, and its reviewing the decision to understand the implications for next year.
Ryanair’s CEO Michael O’Leary says: "It is deeply regrettable that the airlines had to take legal action to stay the idiotic cap at Dublin Airport solely because Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, wouldn’t do his job and issue a letter to the IAA.
"Today’s High Court ruling clears the way for this matter to be referred to the European Courts where Ryanair is confident that this absurd road traffic restriction from 2007 will be removed, which will enable airlines like Ryanair to continue to grow traffic, tourism, and jobs in Ireland."
In 2007, a cap of 32m was placed on annual passenger numbers at Dublin Airport, as one of the conditions for the construction of a second terminal.
And as the airport continues to get busier and busier, a plan was put in place to restrict numbers next summer by roughly one million.
O’Leary, described the cap as “idiotic” and said today’s ruling paves the way for the matter to be referred to the EU courts, where he is confident the 2007 restriction will be removed, enabling airlines like Ryanair to continue to grow traffic, tourism, and jobs in Ireland.
