Dublin Airport is said to be rejecting requests from airlines seeking to increase flight frequencies to Ireland, including charter flights for major sporting events in 2024, due to nearing its annual passenger cap of 32 million. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) stated that it is awaiting approval to raise the passenger cap, initially set over a decade ago when the second terminal's construction was approved, but obtaining such approvals is expected to be a time-consuming process.
Kenny Jacobs, the CEO of DAA, informed the Oireachtas Joint Committee that the airport plans to submit a €2 billion infrastructure plan next month to increase the passenger cap to 40 million by 2028. Despite these future plans, Jacobs acknowledged the current challenges, revealing that the airport has engaged in “tough conversations” with airlines, having surpassed 25 million passengers in the first nine months of 2023.
Jacobs mentioned that the airport has turned away several airlines and informed others that they cannot expand. Additionally, a growth incentive for airlines has been discontinued as a measure to manage the existing passenger cap. He emphasised that this situation would particularly impact general aviation, business jets and events like the 2024 Europa League final and Six Nations rugby matches in Dublin, affecting non-scheduled or charter flights associated with these events.
