Agents welcome lifting of Dublin Airport passenger cap

Travel agents in Ireland have welcomed a move to end capacity restrictions at Dublin Airport.

 

The Irish government proposal would see an annual 32 million passenger cap lifted.

 

This would allow the airport to develop several “capacity-enhancing projects”, including new piers and aircraft stands, along with a new integrated transport centre.

 

“Together, these measures provide the infrastructure required to facilitate the increase in passengers,” the Irish Department of Transport said.

 

Ryanair has been lobbying for the capacity cap to be scrapped after the Irish government suggested it would be abolished a year ago and made a renewed plea for action on the issue ahead of the breakthrough on Tuesday.

 

Transport minister Darragh O’Brien said the government “recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway and the vital role it plays in supporting economic growth, connectivity and jobs” across the country.

  

The Irish Travel Agents Association welcomed the approved proposal to end the Irish capital’s airport passenger cap and is “now looking forward to seeing it enacted”.

 

ITAA chief executive Clare Dunne said: “Lifting the Dublin Airport passenger cap will provide a good opportunity for airlines to expand services into Ireland and for new connectivity from airlines who are not yet flying into Ireland.

 

“This in turn provides new destinations for both holidaymakers and business travelers. The ITAA look forward to seeing this proposal enacted as soon as possible.”

 

Dublin Airport Authority (daa) said the move to remove “the outdated cap artificially restricting growth” was “good news” for Ireland when combined with a €2 billion plan to future-proof its infrastructure.

 

The company noted: “As a small island nation, global connectivity is crucial to our economic prosperity and to sustain jobs and investment across the country. 

 

“Standing still as our population grows and other cities and countries compete to draw flights and destinations away from Dublin would be an own goal.

 

“We know there is significant unmet demand for connectivity between Ireland and South America, India and other fast-growing destinations from passengers and businesses.

 

“An end to the uncertainty that discouraged airlines from launching new routes connecting Dublin to the world is a vital step to protect jobs and tourism.

 

It added: “The airport is committed to growing sustainably and minimising the impact of its operations on surrounding communities.

 

“We’ve invested over €23 million to date in home buyouts and insulating homes and schools as part of one of the most generous schemes in Europe.

 

“We’re pleased that 50% of all flights to and from the airport are now quieter, next generation aircraft and we continue to work with our airline customers to support their carbon reduction plans. 

 

“Dublin Airport is Ireland’s only hub airport and a national strategic asset. daa looks forward to continuing to work with all stakeholders as the legislation and planning processes progress in the national interest.”