Airport Operator Warned as 32M Annual Limit Exceeded
Fingal County Council has issued an enforcement notice to Dublin Airport operator DAA for exceeding its 32 million annual passenger cap—despite the High Court suspending the limit pending legal challenges.
Key Developments
✔ Passenger cap breached – 33.3M travelers passed through in 2023 (vs. 32M limit).
✔ Enforcement notice issued – DAA given two years to comply or secure approval for higher limits.
✔ High Court suspension – The cap is currently unenforced due to ongoing legal challenges by Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Airlines for America.
✔ DAA seeks expansion – Applied to increase cap to 36M and 40M passengers, but decision delayed.
Why Is There a Passenger Cap?
The 32 million limit was imposed in 2007 when An Bord Pleanála approved Terminal 2, aiming to prevent road congestion. Since then, infrastructure upgrades have been made, but the cap remains.
DAA’s Response: “A Planning System Mess”
A DAA spokesman called the enforcement notice a “sorry indictment” of Ireland’s “broken” planning system, stating:
“Passenger numbers will exceed 36M this year and reach 40M by 2030. This enforcement notice highlights why we need urgent legislative reform.”
What Happens Next?
🔹 Legal limbo continues – The High Court suspension means the cap can’t be enforced yet, but DAA must still address the notice.
🔹 Government intervention expected – Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien promised new legislation to resolve the issue.
🔹 DAA pushes for “strategic infrastructure” status – Wants decisions moved from local councils to national planning bodies.
Aviation Industry Impact
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Airlines demand clarity – Ryanair & Aer Lingus warn the cap hurts Ireland’s connectivity.
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Growth at risk – Without a resolution, Dublin Airport’s expansion plans could stall.
Will the Cap Be Scrapped?
The government has signaled it will remove the passenger limit, but timing remains uncertain. Until then, the enforcement notice adds pressure for a swift resolution.
