Ireland’s High Court has granted a stay over the controversial passenger cap at Dublin which would have resulted in slot restrictions for summer 2025.
The restriction is a consequence of planning conditions imposed in 2007 which limit annual passenger numbers at the airport’s two terminals to 32 million.
Ireland’s aviation regulator had warned that the restriction would have forced it to ration slots, owing to excessive demand.
The High Court has ordered a stay on the cap until European Union courts rule on the matter.
Budget carrier Ryanair believes EU will “triumph” over the planning restriction and enable airlines to expand at Dublin and capitalise on its second runway.
Chief executive Michael O’Leary says the fact that airlines had to take legal action on the issue is “deeply regrettable”.
Dublin airport’s operator, DAA, had opposed the stay.
The Irish Aviation Authority says it adopted a neutral stance, and notes that the alleged harm to the airlines arises from the planning conditions, not the regulator’s having to take the conditions into account.
Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Airlines for America had brought the action.
