Dublin Airport passenger cap

Tourism officials are warning that the Irish tourism industry is at risk of significant setbacks due to a passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

The cap limits the airport to 32 million passengers annually.

Dublin Airport passenger cap

The passenger cap was imposed by Fingal County Council in 2007 as a condition for building Dublin Airport’s second terminal. The intention was to manage noise pollution and environmental impacts in the surrounding areas. However, with Ireland’s tourism industry rebounding post-pandemic, critics say the cap is now a barrier to growth.

Paul Kelly, CEO of Fáilte Ireland, has voiced strong concerns. Speaking on RTÉ Radio’s Today with Colm Ó Mongáin, Kelly said: “A lot of the flights will move to other airports outside of Ireland, so we do need to see the cap lifted in Dublin Airport.” He added that smaller regional airports cannot absorb the excess demand, leaving the country vulnerable to lost tourism opportunities.

Dublin Airport is Ireland’s primary gateway, and for an island nation, air travel is the most practical means of international connectivity. The Coach Tourism and Transport Council highlighted the broader economic risks, noting that operational constraints at the airport threaten the €600 million coach tourism sector. Additionally, around 90,000 fewer passengers will pass through the airport over the festive period, further limiting tourism revenue.

The tourism sector is urging the Irish government to lift the cap while implementing appropriate planning measures to manage noise and environmental impacts. “The lifting of the cap needs to be done with appropriate planning mechanisms,” Kelly said, stressing the need for a balanced approach.

Expats living in Ireland, particularly those relying on Dublin Airport for travel, may see increased fares and reduced flight options if passenger limits are not adjusted.