As the COIMISIÚN PLEANÁLA DECISION imposes a new traffic cap on Dublin Airport, Ryan urges the government to honour both caps on traffic growth at the airport.

                                                              Photo: EU PlaneSpotters

A Coimisiúin Pleanála's proposal to implement a new traffic cap at Dublin Airport, this time focusing on nighttime and early morning flights, was rejected by Ryanair, Ireland's largest airline, today (Thursday, July 17). The assertion made by a Coimisiúin Pleanála that this "cap would allow for airport growth" is untrue. When that capacity is likely to be achieved this year, a new traffic cap of 35,672 night movements per year is being imposed by Coimisiúin Pleanála. This will also prevent investment in early morning transatlantic arrivals that land between 5:00 and 7:00 am, as well as based aircraft activity, which usually begins before 7:00 am. This new cap will max out expansion in these two crucial times, bringing both short-haul and incoming early-morning long-haul flights to a complete stop.

$ads={1}

The present government, which has a 20-seat majority, has promised to eliminate the antiquated planning restriction that already limits Dublin Airport as part of their Program for Government, but they have done nothing to do so. We now have the absurd circumstance where another government entity has placed yet another cap on the expansion of passengers at Dublin Airport, with no progress made in lifting the first one.

The North Runway was built to accommodate Dublin Airport's expansion to 60 million passengers annually; however, An Coimisiúin Pleanála's new cap of 35,672 night movements per year implies that Dublin Airport cannot expand over its present traffic levels, which are already anticipated to surpass about 35,000 night movements this year. Innovative aircraft design, which reduces noise emissions by up to 50% in Ryanair's newest aircraft, is not taken into consideration in this decision. If a blunt force cap is placed on movements, what good is it to invest in quieter aircraft?

$ads={2}

As Ireland's main economic entry point, Dublin Airport is currently subject to two government-imposed traffic restrictions. Since Dublin Airport is a vital component of the nation's infrastructure, it should be developed strategically rather than locally to promote economic growth.

Ryanair urges the Irish government and Minister Darragh O'Brien to step in and promptly remove both passenger limitations, as they will harm employment, tourism, and economic expansion.

 Let’s Link on our Social Media 

SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM

Your assistance enables us to produce high-quality, independent open and transparent media. No matter how little, every reader's contribution is vital for the future Thanks.

EU Plane Spotters brings you high-quality aviation News, videos and LIVE steam. visit our social media platforms Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & TikTok for more content.