DUBLIN —The government is preparing to lift the long-standing cap on passenger numbers at Dublin Airport, with draft legislation expected to be brought before Cabinet soon by Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien.
The move would end the current limit of 32 million passengers per year, a restriction in place since 2007 to manage congestion and reduce pollution. While the change is expected to be welcomed by the airport authority and airlines—particularly those seeking to expand international routes, including from India—it has drawn sharp criticism from local residents and climate campaigners.
The cap has long been a source of tension. Earlier this week, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary accused the government of failing to act on its pledge to remove the restrictions. “In January, they committed to lifting the cap as soon as possible. Nine months later, nothing has happened. This government and this minister have failed to deliver,” he said.
Community groups, however, remain firmly opposed. Niamh Maher, spokesperson for the St Margaret’s The Ward Residents’ Group, warned that increased night flights and associated disturbances would significantly impact local communities. Children’s Rights Over Flights, a climate and community advocacy group, condemned the move, calling it “deeply irresponsible” for a transport minister to support measures that could drive a major increase in pollution.
In a planning application submitted to Fingal County Council in December 2023, the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) acknowledged that raising the cap to 40 million passengers could increase aviation emissions by 24%.
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