Concerns are growing among travelers about potential hikes in flight prices next summer as Dublin Airport faces restrictions on passenger numbers. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary has warned that an “inevitable” rise in costs for summer holidays is likely unless action is taken to increase the airport’s passenger capacity.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA), which oversees operations, is projecting nearly one million more passengers than its 2024 cap of 32 million, despite efforts to limit demand. The authority has formally requested permission from Fingal County Council to increase the passenger cap to 40 million.
Dublin Airport remains a popular choice for many travelers from Northern Ireland, primarily due to its broader range of flights and generally lower fares compared to Belfast or Derry airports.
Capacity Constraints and Price Hikes
Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan emphasized that Dublin Airport must adhere to existing planning regulations. Any changes to the passenger cap, he said, are in the hands of the planning authorities and the local council—a process that, given potential legal appeals, could take up to three years to resolve.
Ryanair has already felt the impact of the cap. O’Leary revealed that 50,000 seats have been shifted from Dublin to Belfast International for this Christmas season, warning that next summer could see even higher prices unless the cap is raised.
“The situation will come to a head this Christmas,” O’Leary said. “With 250,000 fewer seats available to Dublin and fares potentially soaring past €500 for a one-way ticket, more passengers may be forced to travel via Belfast.”
He added that Ryanair has been forced to divert 50,000 seats to Belfast and relocate three aircraft initially scheduled for Dublin for the summer of 2024. “Where growth is blocked, prices will rise—it’s inevitable,” he noted.
Industry Concerns and Broader Impacts
DAA Chief Executive Kenny Jacobs echoed O’Leary’s concerns, stressing the potential negative impact on tourism and investment. “We have reduced passenger numbers by about 650,000 by limiting airline demand, but we don’t control the allocation of slots,” Jacobs explained. He predicted that the airport would see nearly 33 million passengers in 2024, exceeding the current cap of 32 million.
Jacobs warned that restricting growth is counterproductive, particularly at a time when significant public and private investment is being funneled into boosting the country’s economy. “Ireland is a small, open island on the edge of Europe, and we have always punched above our weight. But to continue doing so, we need more coordinated thinking on the development of critical infrastructure,” he concluded.
As the debate over Dublin Airport’s capacity unfolds, the specter of rising flight prices looms, leaving travelers to wonder how their summer holiday plans may be affected.