Ryanair’s decision to cut routes from Dublin Airport will mean job losses, the DAA has predicted.
Earlier today, the airline announced it was cutting 14 routes this winter due to the airport’s passenger cap.
Dublin Airport cannot fly in more than 32 million passengers every year but believes it is on course to exceed that figure by one million.
As a result, Ryanair has been forced to cut flights from its winter schedule.
In a statement, the DAA said the airline’s decision is “simply the reality” of the passenger cap.
“Until the cap is lifted, connectivity will be lost, jobs and economic growth will go to other countries instead, and Ireland’s hard-won reputation will continue to be damaged,” a spokesperson said.
“These routes are being pulled from Dublin and aren’t going to the regional airports – they’re being lost to Ireland altogether with Ryanair taking planes and growth to other countries such as Sweden where it last week announced 10 new routes.”
The DAA has filed a planning application with Fingal County Council asking for the annual cap to be lifted to 40 million passengers.
Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary has said unless the cap is lifted, it will mean Dubliners living in London will be forced to travel home this Christmas via Belfast.
Meanwhile, there is concern within the Green Party about the impact raising the change will have on carbon emissions.
Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has said the issue of the passenger cap is a matter for Fingal County Council.
Main image: Ryanair planes at Dublin Airport. Picture by: RollingNews.ie
