Airlines Challenge Dublin Slot Cap in Irish Court
The Irish High Court has granted permission to Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Airlines for America (A4A) to pursue a judicial review regarding the Irish Aviation Authority’s (IAA) recent decision to impose a cap on aircraft slots at Dublin International Airport for the summer 2025 season. The airlines are also seeking an urgent stay on this cap while the judicial review is underway, with the court expected to schedule a hearing for October 22, as reported by Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), Ireland’s national broadcaster.
The IAA’s decision, announced on October 7, establishes a limit of 25.2 million passenger seats from March 30 to October 25, 2025. This figure represents a reduction of approximately one million seats compared to the summer of 2024. The cap is intended to adhere to a long-standing annual passenger restriction of 32 million, which was originally set in 2007 as part of the planning permission for the airport’s second terminal.
During a court hearing on October 21, Ryanair’s counsel emphasized the critical nature of the situation. The airline could potentially lose up to 3,000 slots, equating to a significant reduction of 550,000 passenger seats, should the IAA’s decision remain in effect. Aer Lingus has voiced similar concerns, with its legal representatives highlighting a possible loss of 362,000 seats due to the imposed cap.
Both Ryanair and A4A plan to argue that the IAA’s slot cap contravenes the European Union-US Open Skies Agreement, indicating that certain elements of the case may need to be referred to European courts for further evaluation. The airlines stress that the scheduled slot allocations are set for November 7, heightening the urgency for the court to make a timely ruling on the requested stay.
The IAA has responded by stating it does not have the authority to modify or revoke existing planning conditions, as such matters fall under the jurisdiction of local planning authorities. This position adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing legal discussions, as the airlines challenge not only the cap itself but also the underlying regulatory framework that supports it.
The outcome of this judicial review could have significant implications for air travel and capacity at Dublin International Airport, which is a vital hub for both domestic and international flights. Should the court rule in favor of the airlines, it may lead to increased flight options and capacity for passengers, as well as potential financial implications for the airlines involved.
As the situation unfolds, the aviation industry will be closely watching the developments in this case. The decision by the Irish High Court will not only affect the operations of Ryanair and Aer Lingus but could also set a precedent for how slot allocations are managed in the future.
In summary, the Irish High Court’s decision to allow a judicial review of the IAA’s slot cap at Dublin International Airport highlights ongoing tensions in the aviation sector regarding capacity management. With both Ryanair and Aer Lingus poised to challenge this decision, the upcoming court hearings could shape the future of air travel in Ireland and beyond.
Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airport-business
Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)