European Commission rejects proposed night flight cap at Dublin Airport

The European Commission has ruled that proposed night-time operating restrictions at Dublin Airport do not comply with EU law.

In July 2025, An Coimisiún Pleanála proposed:

• An annual cap of 35,672 aircraft movements between 23:00 and 07:00 (average 98 per night).

• A ban on night operations on the airport’s north runway, except in limited circumstances.

However, in a decision published on 10 February 2026, the Commission found the process breached Regulation (EU) 598/2014 because Ireland did not adequately consider alternative noise mitigation measures before imposing operating restrictions.

The Commission has instructed Irish authorities to review the decision and inform it of their intentions before introducing any restrictions.

The Department of Transport confirmed that the ruling does not affect current operations, as the proposed restrictions have not yet been implemented.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien said An Coimisiún Pleanála will now assess the Commission’s decision under the 2019 Aircraft Noise Act.

Ryanair welcomed the ruling, calling the proposed cap illegal and urging Taoiseach Micheál Martin to pass legislation abolishing both the proposed night cap and the long-standing 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

Next steps depend on whether An Coimisiún Pleanála reopens or revises its decision in line with EU requirements.