Ryanair Cuts 10% of Dublin Summer 2026 Flights Over Passenger Cap
Ryanair cut nearly 10% of its planned summer 2026 flights from Dublin Airport due to the government's refusal to remove the 32 million annual passenger cap. This decision halts planned growth, keeping capacity at last year's levels. Ryanair, the airport's largest carrier, cannot invest further until the cap is lifted.
Ryanair has cut nearly one in 10 planned summer 2026 flights from Dublin Airport, citing the Irish Government’s failure to abolish the 32 million annual passenger limit. The airline stated it originally intended to increase traffic at Dublin Airport by 10% this summer but abandoned these plans because the cap remains in place. Consequently, Ryanair’s capacity at Dublin Airport will match last year’s levels.
Ryanair, Dublin Airport’s largest airline, handled approximately 19 million of the 36.4 million total passengers last year. The company emphasized it cannot invest in growth at Dublin until the cap is removed and airport operator DAA extends its growth incentive schemes. Data from OAG shows Ryanair reduced planned summer flights from Irish airports for this year by about 4,500, to 84,600, between January and this month.
The airline confirmed it has not cut flights or schedules due to the Middle East crisis, but is monitoring the situation, particularly regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Ryanair has hedged 80% of its fuel needs for this year. Separately, Ryanair welcomed a European Court of Justice ruling that deemed €6 billion in Covid-related state aid from Germany to Lufthansa illegal, arguing such support harms competition.