Corporate travel brand FCM Travel is raising concerns over the potential impact of the passenger cap not being raised at Dublin Airport.
FCM warns of potential major disruptions to business travel between Ireland and the UK, especially for SMEs.
FCM Travel is highlighting the growing threat to Irish businesses, especially those reliant on frequent and last-minute travel to the UK.
The company is calling for the passenger cap to be raised for the benefit of all travellers.
“Last month, ticket prices sold by FCM from Dublin to London were, on average, up nearly 24% compared to the same period last year.
As capacity continues to shrink, we expect these prices could rise even further,” said Andy Hegley, Europe Managing Director, FCM Travel.
“Travel is a necessity, not a discretionary spend for corporates. It’s a key part of growth strategy for modern businesses looking to find new customers and ideas.”
“Passengers, whether they are travelling for business or leisure, are the ultimate losers.”
The Dublin Airport cap limits the number of passengers who can pass through the airport in a given year.
The cap was set at 32 million per year in 2007 and has not changed since.
Dublin Airport Authority recently warned that the current passenger cap could cost the Irish economy €500 million.
FCM Travel manages travel for both large multinational corporations and SMEs in the Irish market, supporting more than 68 companies.
FCM Travel has recently released a new report, Riding the Wave of Innovation: Trends shaping business travel for Irish start-ups and SMEs.