Dublin Airport's 32 Million Passenger Cap May Be Axed by Mid-July
Minister Darragh O’Brien will introduce legislation to Cabinet on June 16th to remove Dublin Airport's 32 million passenger cap. This aims to prevent an EU court ruling from forcing its implementation, which airlines warn would cut flights. The bill could pass by mid-July, ending a 19-year controversy.
Legislation to remove the 32 million annual passenger limit at Dublin Airport is expected to be brought to Cabinet by Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien on Tuesday, June 16th. This move aims to prevent an EU court ruling from forcing regulators to implement the cap, which airlines warn would severely cut flights and cause economic damage.
The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 will empower the Minister to end or change the limit. Following Cabinet approval, the Dáil and Seanad are expected to debate the legislation, potentially passing it into law by mid-July. This would resolve a 19-year-old controversy.
The cap, imposed in 2007 on terminals one and two, was intended to prompt the construction of a third terminal for growth. However, aviation developments mean a third terminal is no longer needed. The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) has stated it will assist in addressing the cap, which it says was never meant to limit overall airport growth. The IAA’s High Court action previously stalled the cap’s implementation, referring questions of EU law to European courts, with a ruling expected soon.