State airports operator DAA has breached the Dublin Airport passenger cap in each of the last two years after strong passenger growth, triggering Fingal County Council enforcement action and litigation that is now before the European courts. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill / The Irish TimesGovernment plans to scrap the contentious 32 million annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport inched forward with long-awaited Cabinet approval for draft laws to do away with the planning restriction. “This 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 State,” the Minister said. Airlines that use Dublin Airport have long expressed frustration at the failure to tackle the cap. DAA welcomed the move, saying the “outdated” cap was “artificially restricting” airport growth.

Source: The Irish Times February 10, 2026 18:47 UTC