Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has secured agreement from Cabinet for priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026. This will provide him with the power to address the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.
Minister O’Brien said: “This Government recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway and the vital role it plays in supporting economic growth, connectivity and jobs across the State. Today, I received Government agreement for the publication of the General Scheme, which sets out the legislative approach to address the passenger cap. This represents the first concrete step in delivering on the commitment set out in the Programme for Government. I will now engage with the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport to progress pre-legislative scrutiny and advance the formal drafting of the Bill.”
The General Scheme empowers the Minister for Transport to make an order to amend or revoke the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport. In advance of making an order, the Minister will engage with An Coimisiún Pleanála who will carry out any relevant assessments required under EU law. The Minister will take the outcome of those assessments into account when making an order. This approach will facilitate the sustainable development of Dublin Airport by ensuring compliance with applicable EU law, while balancing the rights of local residents with the objectives of Ireland’s National Aviation Policy and the needs of business and tourism.
In parallel with legislation being progressed by the Minister, the “Infrastructure Application” lodged by daa is progressing through the planning system. This application seeks permission to raise the passenger cap and to develop several capacity-enhancing projects, including new piers and aircraft stands, along with a new Integrated Transport Centre. Together, these measures provide the infrastructure required to facilitate the increase in passengers.
Minister O’Brien is committed to the priority drafting of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill and intends to introduce it for passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas as soon as possible.
Daa – the operator of both Dublin and Cork airports – welcomed the update, citing it as “good news for Ireland”.
A spokeswoman for daa said: “daa strongly welcomes the decisive action being taken by Government to resolve the cap issue once and for all. Together with daa’s €2bn plan to future-proof Dublin Airport’s infrastructure, the move to remove the outdated cap artificially restricting growth at Dublin Airport is good news for Ireland. As a small island nation, global connectivity is crucial to our economic prosperity and to sustain jobs and investment across the country. Standing still as our population grows and other cities and countries compete to draw flights and destinations away from Dublin would be an own goal.
“We know there is significant unmet demand for connectivity between Ireland and South America, India and other fast-growing destinations from passengers and businesses. Economic research shows the value of exports with the well-connected countries is over five times that of trade with poorly connected countries. An end to the uncertainty that discouraged airlines from launching new routes connecting Dublin to the world is a vital step to protect jobs and tourism. It is also a positive development for the travelling public, who continue to rate their experience travelling through Dublin Airport highly.
“daa continues to work with the planning authorities and other stakeholders to progress its broader €2bn infrastructure plan, which will upgrade and expand Dublin Airport’s capacity and facilities and ensure the airport can continue to cater for increases in population and demand. The airport is committed to growing sustainably and minimising the impact of its operations on surrounding communities. We’ve invested over €23 million to date in home buyouts and insulating homes and schools as part of one of the most generous schemes in Europe. We’re pleased that 50% of all flights to and from the airport are now quieter, next generation aircraft and we continue to work with our airline customers to support their carbon reduction plans. Dublin Airport is Ireland’s only hub airport and a national strategic asset. daa looks forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders as the legislation and planning processes progress in the national interest.”
Ryanair was typically bullish in its response, suggesting a full removal of the passenger cap should be completed in time for St Patrick’s Day.
Ryanair Group CEO Michael O’Leary said: “Micheál Martin promised to scrap the cap “as soon as possible”. The end of 2026 is two years after this promise was first made, and that is not quick enough. The American airlines are being blocked from growing at Dublin Airport with this illegal cap, and the Trump Administration may well block Aer Lingus flights landing in New York if Micheál Martin doesn’t move sooner. Micheál Martin has a 20-seat majority, he has wasted 14 months doing nothing, and it is time to scrap the cap before St Patrick’s Day, which would then allow Ryanair and the American airlines to continue to invest in and grow traffic, tourism and jobs at Dublin Airport.
“Ryanair, like the American airlines, are fed up with Micheál Martin’s do nothing approach to Government. If he promises to deliver something “as soon as possible”, then this should be done before St Patrick’s Day.”
