New law clears way for Dublin Airport passenger cap to be lifted

Legislation paving the way for the passenger cap at Dublin Airport to be lifted has been signed into law by President Connolly, marking a significant step towards allowing the country’s busiest airport to expand.

The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 gives the Minister for Transport the power to make an order to amend or revoke the airport’s long-standing 32 million annual passenger limit, subject to the completion of environmental assessments.

Transport Minister Darragh O’Brien welcomed the legislation becoming law, describing it as recognition of Dublin Airport’s strategic importance as Ireland’s primary international gateway.

He said he intends to immediately commence the relevant provisions of the Act to allow An Coimisiún Pleanála to carry out the environmental assessments required before any change to the passenger cap can be approved.

“I am committed to ensuring the environmental assessments are completed within the strict timelines set out in the Act, so that an Order may be made to amend or revoke the passenger cap as soon as possible,” the minister said.

The legislation also protects daa’s live planning application, which is currently being considered by Fingal County Council.

That application seeks permission not only to increase the passenger cap but also to deliver a series of major infrastructure projects at the airport, including new piers, additional aircraft stands and an Integrated Transport Hub.

The Government said the projects would provide the capacity needed to support future growth in passenger numbers and air cargo while strengthening Dublin Airport’s role as Ireland’s main aviation hub.

The planning application remains subject to the normal planning process. The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority has already published its draft regulatory decision on the proposal, which is currently open to public consultation.

The new legislation follows months of stakeholder engagement and pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport before being approved by the Oireachtas.

According to the Government, the Act is designed to ensure any future increase in passenger capacity complies with EU environmental law while balancing the interests of local residents with the needs of the aviation sector, businesses and Ireland’s tourism industry.