Now, Irish authorities have been told no fresh operating restrictions can be implemented at the airport until they inform the Commission of their intentions. The planning watchdog said it is reviewing the European Commission’s decision and hasn’t yet decided whether or not to reopen the decision process in relation to the night-time use of Dublin Airport. In 2024, An Coimisiún Pleanála said it intended to cap the number of flights permitted to use Dublin Airport between 11pm and 7am at 13,000. Last July, the planning watchdog said an annual cap of 35,672 night-time aircraft movements at Dublin Airport “would be appropriate”. Now the European Commission has said that the manner in which the proposed restrictions were arrived at doesn’t follow EU rules.

Source: Irish Independent February 25, 2026 20:32 UTC