The Irish Government took a decisive step on 12 February 2026 by approving the General Scheme of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill, legislation that will finally remove the 32-million annual passenger cap that has constrained Ireland’s main international gateway since 2007.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke told reporters that the measure is vital for an island economy that depends on "reliable, competitive links to international destinations." The Bill will now proceed to pre-legislative scrutiny before moving through both Houses of the Oireachtas, but officials expect cross-party backing because the High Court has already suspended enforcement of the cap pending an EU referral.
For travellers eager to take advantage of the additional flights this change will unlock, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its Ireland portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time visa requirements, streamlined applications and concierge support, helping passengers secure the documents they need as new routes come online.
![Cabinet approves Dublin Airport Passenger Capacity Bill, paving way to lift 32-million cap]()
Business stakeholders have lobbied heavily for change. Exporters complain that capacity limits make it harder to secure belly-hold cargo space, while multinationals cite lost time and higher costs as airlines juggle slot constraints. Tourism bodies point to the winter 2024/25 loss of several trans-Atlantic frequencies—cuts that reduced inbound seat capacity by an estimated 220,000 and hurt regional hotel occupancy.
Lifting the cap dovetails with the Dublin Airport Authority’s €2 billion infrastructure plan, which includes additional contact stands, upgraded baggage systems and a new energy-efficient pier designed to handle next-generation wide-body jets. Burke stressed, however, that growth will be "balanced with sustainability obligations," referencing noise-mitigation schemes and a commitment that at least 50 percent of movements will use quieter aircraft types by 2028.
For corporate mobility managers the legislation offers clarity: long-term route planning can resume, assignees will face fewer peak-season booking headaches, and companies can more confidently base regional teams in Ireland knowing that onward connectivity to the US, Europe and emerging markets will expand rather than contract. If passed before the summer recess, officials say the cap could be formally lifted in time for the IATA Winter 2026 schedule, unlocking as many as two million extra seats in the first year alone.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke told reporters that the measure is vital for an island economy that depends on "reliable, competitive links to international destinations." The Bill will now proceed to pre-legislative scrutiny before moving through both Houses of the Oireachtas, but officials expect cross-party backing because the High Court has already suspended enforcement of the cap pending an EU referral.
For travellers eager to take advantage of the additional flights this change will unlock, VisaHQ can simplify the paperwork. Its Ireland portal (https://www.visahq.com/ireland/) provides real-time visa requirements, streamlined applications and concierge support, helping passengers secure the documents they need as new routes come online.
Business stakeholders have lobbied heavily for change. Exporters complain that capacity limits make it harder to secure belly-hold cargo space, while multinationals cite lost time and higher costs as airlines juggle slot constraints. Tourism bodies point to the winter 2024/25 loss of several trans-Atlantic frequencies—cuts that reduced inbound seat capacity by an estimated 220,000 and hurt regional hotel occupancy.
Lifting the cap dovetails with the Dublin Airport Authority’s €2 billion infrastructure plan, which includes additional contact stands, upgraded baggage systems and a new energy-efficient pier designed to handle next-generation wide-body jets. Burke stressed, however, that growth will be "balanced with sustainability obligations," referencing noise-mitigation schemes and a commitment that at least 50 percent of movements will use quieter aircraft types by 2028.
For corporate mobility managers the legislation offers clarity: long-term route planning can resume, assignees will face fewer peak-season booking headaches, and companies can more confidently base regional teams in Ireland knowing that onward connectivity to the US, Europe and emerging markets will expand rather than contract. If passed before the summer recess, officials say the cap could be formally lifted in time for the IATA Winter 2026 schedule, unlocking as many as two million extra seats in the first year alone.
