The European Court of Justice has ruled that the passenger cap at Dublin Airport remains in place, rejecting Ryanair’s request to lift the restriction. The decision, delivered by the Court of Justice of the European Union, maintains the current limit on the number of passengers that can be processed through the airport’s terminal.
The cap, which restricts the number of passengers processed per day, was initially imposed by the Irish government to manage capacity during the pandemic. Ryanair had argued that the cap was outdated and hindered its ability to operate efficiently. The airline had sought to have the restriction removed, claiming it was no longer necessary given the recovery of air travel.
The court’s ruling, however, found that the cap was still justified under EU law, as it aimed to prevent overcrowding and ensure public health safety. The decision was based on the principle that member states retain the authority to manage their own airports within the framework of EU regulations.
This marks the second time the court has addressed the issue, following a previous ruling that had left the decision in the hands of the Irish government. The latest judgment reinforces the government’s position and underscores the balance between national control and EU-wide regulatory standards.
The case highlights ongoing tensions between airlines and governments over airport capacity and operational flexibility. As travel continues to rebound, the debate over such restrictions is likely to persist, with implications for both EU policy and the aviation industry.
