Dublin Airport Capacity Cut Sparks Legal Action from Airlines
The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has imposed a capacity cap at Dublin Airport (DUB) for the 2025 summer schedule, limiting passenger numbers to 25.2 million, which is 1 million less than the previous summer. This decision has prompted legal action from Ryanair and other airlines seeking to overturn the IAA’s ruling.
The IAA acknowledged that this action would reduce airline access to DUB, anticipating that demand for slots during the summer 2025 scheduling season will significantly exceed the new cap. Carriers that operated a series of slots for five weeks or longer during the summer of 2024 will receive priority for the 2025 schedule. However, the IAA indicated that not all slot series from summer 2024 could be accommodated under the new cap, resulting in “very little, if any, available capacity” for new or ad hoc slot requests.
In response to the IAA’s decision, Ryanair stated it has instructed its legal team to seek an injunction from the Irish High Court and the European Courts to halt what it deems “absurd self-harm” inflicted on Irish aviation and tourism. Aer Lingus is also preparing to challenge the cap in court. Additionally, Airlines for America, which represents U.S. airlines, called the cap a violation of the EU/U.S. open skies agreement.
Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which operates DUB, expressed support for the IAA’s decision for planning purposes. The airport is currently governed by a 32 million annual passenger cap established in 2007, which is expected to be exceeded in 2024. The IAA’s cap aims to ensure compliance with this limit in 2025.
However, DAA is advocating for the annual cap to be raised to 40 million, arguing that the current limit artificially suppresses demand. DAA CEO Kenny Jacobs warned that the 25.2 million passenger cap would have serious repercussions for the Irish economy. “A million seats coming out next year has real financial consequences for Ireland,” Jacobs stated, estimating the economic damage at least €500 million (approximately $549 million), potentially rising to €700 million when considering lost airfares. He emphasized that the issue impacts airlines, airport staff, the traveling public, and tourism jobs, stating, “This issue is no longer just an airport or planning issue; it is now an Ireland issue.”
Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the summer 2025 cap as “unlawful,” asserting that it violates the EU’s right to freedom of movement and the EU/U.S. open skies agreement. O’Leary referred to the 32 million annual passenger cap as “absurd,” arguing it was solely created to address road traffic concerns that no longer exist. He predicted that the European courts would ultimately dismiss the summer 2025 cap.
The IAA clarified that its decision was based on a review of all relevant technical, operational, and environmental constraints, including runway capacity, airspace availability, and passenger processing capabilities. DAA emphasized its role as the operator of Dublin Airport, stating that it lacks the authority to restrict airline operations or passenger boarding. The IAA holds the power to regulate aircraft movements at Dublin Airport.
O’Leary urged Irish Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to direct the IAA to approve additional slot requests from all airlines or resign, asserting that the minister’s role should focus on fostering growth in traffic, connectivity, and jobs.
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