Ryanair Fights Dublin Airport Flight and Growth Limits

Ryanair has urged the Irish government to scrap newly imposed flight restrictions at Dublin Airport, warning that the caps will stifle growth, deter investment, and damage Ireland’s economy. The low-cost carrier called the recent decision by An Coimisiún Pleanála to cap annual night-time aircraft movements at 35,672 “idiotic,” noting that the threshold will already be met in 2025.

The restriction affects flights between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., curtailing early-morning transatlantic arrivals and short-haul European departures. Ryanair argues this will freeze the airport’s capacity at current levels, despite the north runway being designed to handle up to 60 million passengers annually.

Ryanair also criticized the government for not lifting outdated planning rules that limit overall passenger traffic. It highlighted that its latest aircraft are significantly quieter, with noise emissions reduced by up to 50%, questioning the logic of enforcing a blunt cap without considering technological progress.

The airline called on Housing Minister Darragh O’Brien and the Irish government to treat Dublin Airport as critical national infrastructure, not subject to restrictive local planning regulations.

Meanwhile, Minister O’Brien welcomed the planning body’s final decision, stating it provides clarity on permitted night operations while balancing aviation growth with community concerns. The ruling also introduces a noise quota system, restricts use of the north runway between midnight and 6 a.m. except for emergencies, and includes an insulation scheme for nearby residents.

Ryanair continues to push for the immediate removal of both the night flight and passenger growth caps to support future airport expansion.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com