Dublin Airport 32 Million Passenger Cap Bill Approved, Expected Before Summer Recess

The Irish Cabinet has approved the publication of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, aiming to scrap the 32-million-a-year passenger cap before the Dáil’s summer recess. This legislation would also prevent future planning authorities from imposing a cap on Dublin Airport.

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien announced the Government’s approval on Tuesday, emphasizing the airport’s strategic importance for economic growth and connectivity. He expressed commitment to enacting the legislation this summer, completing environmental assessments, and amending or revoking the cap as soon as possible. The DAA and business group Ibec welcomed the move, highlighting the airport’s crucial role in Ireland’s economy.

Under the Bill, the Minister will collaborate with An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) for environmental assessments required by EU law, including public consultation, before making an order. This process runs parallel to a DAA infrastructure application with Fingal County Council, which seeks to raise the cap and develop new piers, aircraft stands, and a transport hub. This aims to facilitate sustainable growth, balancing local residents’ rights with national aviation policy and business needs. The Government pledged to remove the cap last year, and this legislation seeks to preempt an impending EU court ruling that could force the cap’s implementation, potentially leading to flight losses at Dublin Airport, which handled over 36 million passengers last year.