Dublin Airport is on the brink of a major policy shift after regulators cleared airlines to schedule 5,000 extra summer flights in 2026 and the Government published draft legislation to abolish the long-controversial 32-million annual passenger cap. Industry analysts estimate the ruling by the Irish Aviation Authority could push throughput above 36 million this year and add almost one million extra travellers between March and October 2026.
The cap was imposed in 2007 by An Bord Pleanála as a planning condition for the airport’s second runway, but it has been routinely breached since 2023 after the High Court suspended enforcement pending a reference to the European Court of Justice. Airlines led by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and several North-American carriers argue the cap conflicts with EU slot-allocation rules and international air-services agreements. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien told Cabinet earlier this month that legislation to scrap the limit will be tabled in early 2026, while an ECJ judgment on the airlines’ challenge is expected before year-end.
Airport operator DAA, which withdrew a separate planning application to raise the cap to 36 million, says the “zombie” restriction has undermined route development and could trigger retaliatory measures from the US Department of Transportation if not removed. US trade group Airlines for America has already warned of possible curbs on Irish carriers’ access to US airports.
![Dublin Airport’s 32-million passenger cap faces final showdown as Government and EU action looms]()
For organisations needing to relocate employees or arrange quick-turnaround business trips, VisaHQ can simplify the surge in visa and passport processing that additional flight capacity will create. Our digital platform and Ireland-based specialists (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) handle everything from Irish work permits to onward Schengen visas, helping mobility teams stay compliant while focusing on core travel strategy.
For corporate mobility managers, the near-term impact is more seats and potentially new long-haul connections in 2026, but also continuing legal uncertainty around night-flight quotas and slot allocations. Companies should monitor fare trends—Ryanair predicts upward pressure while IATA foresees scope for falls—and lock in spring/summer 2026 travel early.
Practical tip: ensure travel-approval workflows flag possible schedule changes during the transition period; airlines may adjust frequencies quickly once the legal position is clarified. Large assignee programmes should also review housing and schooling capacity around Dublin, as expanded airport connectivity is likely to fuel inbound moves.
The cap was imposed in 2007 by An Bord Pleanála as a planning condition for the airport’s second runway, but it has been routinely breached since 2023 after the High Court suspended enforcement pending a reference to the European Court of Justice. Airlines led by Ryanair, Aer Lingus and several North-American carriers argue the cap conflicts with EU slot-allocation rules and international air-services agreements. Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien told Cabinet earlier this month that legislation to scrap the limit will be tabled in early 2026, while an ECJ judgment on the airlines’ challenge is expected before year-end.
Airport operator DAA, which withdrew a separate planning application to raise the cap to 36 million, says the “zombie” restriction has undermined route development and could trigger retaliatory measures from the US Department of Transportation if not removed. US trade group Airlines for America has already warned of possible curbs on Irish carriers’ access to US airports.
For organisations needing to relocate employees or arrange quick-turnaround business trips, VisaHQ can simplify the surge in visa and passport processing that additional flight capacity will create. Our digital platform and Ireland-based specialists (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) handle everything from Irish work permits to onward Schengen visas, helping mobility teams stay compliant while focusing on core travel strategy.
For corporate mobility managers, the near-term impact is more seats and potentially new long-haul connections in 2026, but also continuing legal uncertainty around night-flight quotas and slot allocations. Companies should monitor fare trends—Ryanair predicts upward pressure while IATA foresees scope for falls—and lock in spring/summer 2026 travel early.
Practical tip: ensure travel-approval workflows flag possible schedule changes during the transition period; airlines may adjust frequencies quickly once the legal position is clarified. Large assignee programmes should also review housing and schooling capacity around Dublin, as expanded airport connectivity is likely to fuel inbound moves.
