Irish government moves to abolish Dublin Airport passenger cap

The Irish Government has taken a major step towards removing the long-contested 32 million annual passenger cap at Dublin Airport, approving legislation that would allow future expansion of the country’s main international gateway.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien has secured Cabinet approval for the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026, which would give the minister authority to amend or revoke the passenger limit. The Government aims to pass the legislation before the Irish parliament’s summer recess.

The proposal responds to pressure from airlines and airport operator DAA, which have argued that enforcing the cap could lead to flight reductions, harming Ireland’s international connectivity, tourism and economic growth.

Before any change is made, the legislation requires environmental assessments to be carried out by An Coimisiún Pleanála in line with EU requirements, alongside a public consultation process.

A notable provision of the bill would prevent planning authorities from imposing future passenger caps on Dublin Airport, providing greater long-term certainty for airport development. The legislation also safeguards DAA’s ongoing infrastructure expansion application currently under review by Fingal County Council.

If enacted, the bill would clear a significant regulatory obstacle to Dublin Airport’s growth and could pave the way for expanded capacity to meet rising demand for air travel in Ireland.