Plans to cut flights from Dublin Airport’s summer schedule will end up in the courts, Eoghan Corry has warned.

The Irish Aviation Authority outlined plans for a summer seat capacity limit of 25.2 million - one million fewer than this year’s.

It published the draft decision with the aim of ensuring the airport dose not breach its 32 million passenger cap for the year.

On Breakfast Briefing, Air & Travel magazine editor Eoghan Corry said he had “no doubt” the proposal would be legally challenged if implemented. 

“This is a big one because Dublin Airport said last week they’ve exceeded the cap already - by one million seats this year,”  he said. 

“The IAA stepped in and said, ‘We’re going to put a limit on the number of seats that can be sold or scheduled next summer and it’s going to be a million less than the seats we had in summer 2024.’ 

“That means airlines have to start looking at their schedules and start trimming it back - they’re all a bit flummoxed by this.” 

Passengers queueing at Aer Lingus check-in desks Dublin Airport, 2-7-24. Image: Sasko Lazarov/© RollingNews.ie

Mr Corry said the response of the DAA had been to put out a statement using “all the diplomatic skills that [CEO] Kenny Jacobs has” but that Ryanair were more explicit in their opposition to the proposal. 

“Of course, Michael O’Leary has all the diplomatic skills of a Mullingar bullock let out into the grass in summer,” he said. 

Ryanair said the result of the cap would inevitably mean more expensive flights and fewer choices for families looking to get away. 

“If the demand outstrips the supply, the price goes up,” Mr Corry said. 

“So, that’s what we’ll see happening with prices to key locations. 

“It also cuts down on your choice because the frequencies are reduced.” 

'Versus a volcano'

The proposal is only a draft at the moment but there will be a consultation process to give airlines a chance to voice their views before any implementation. 

“We can all guess what the reaction to that consultation process is going to be - widespread protests from the airport [and] from all of the airlines that use Dublin Airport,” Mr Corry said. 

“There are seven airlines that want to get into Dublin but can’t get in because of this.

“So, it’s going to be the IAA versus a volcano on this and probably end up in the courts.” 

Fingal County Council is currently considering a planning application from Dublin Airport to lift their annual passenger cap from 32 million to 40 million.

Main image: An aerial view of Dublin Airport. Picture by: Mint Photography / Stockimo / Alamy Stock Photo