US airline group warns again over Dublin Airport passenger cap citing economic impact

"Removing the cap would not only strengthen Dublin Airport's status as a vital hub for connectivity but would also unlock new opportunities for businesses, passengers and the broader economy. "

The annual 32 million passenger cap has raised concerns among airlines who argue it hinders economic growth and tourism.

In October 2024, Airlines for America, which represents US carriers including American Airlines, United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and JetBlue Airways, asserted that the passenger cap at Dublin Airport violates the US-EU Open Skies Agreement. In a statement to RTE, an A4A representative said:

"The decision from the IAA to apply a restriction on passenger numbers for operations at Dublin Airport is a violation of the US-EU Open Skies agreement.

"The filing made today is part of our ongoing effort to urge all governments involved - the Irish government, the European Commission, and the US government - to urgently resolve this matter before irreparable damage is done not only to US airlines but also to Dublin Airport and the Irish economy. "

A4A has joined forces with Aer Lingus, airport operator daa, and Ryanair to take legal action against the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) seeking removal of the cap.

Notably, Ireland's High Court has decided to refer this matter to the Court of Justice of European Union (CJEU). Judge Barry O'Donnell explained his decision on December 11 saying:

"By way of a very brief summary of what are detailed factual and legal issues, a central issue for determination will be whether IAA was entitled to have regard to certain planning conditions attached to developments at Terminals 1 and Terminal2 at Dublin Airport described as '32mppa conditions' (32 million passengers per annum). "

On December 11th., Ryanair welcomed this decision stating they believed CJEU would deem these restrictions illegal. According Ryanair:

"Ryanair regrets that it has been forced into taking this legal action which wouldn''t have been necessary if failed Green Transport Minister Eamon Ryan had issued direction prioritizing growth rather than adhering outdated planning restrictions addressing non-existent road traffic concerns."