Ryanair has this week doubled down on it’s pressure to the Irish Government to lift the Dublin Airport cap.
The Irish low-cost carrier has been in relentless in these calls, with no signs of backing down at this present moment.
Without further ado, let’s get into it…
Ryanair’s O’Leary Gives The Low-Down in Dublin…
Calling the Transport & Tourism ministers “dunces”, Ryanair has once again stated their case over this cap.
Over the Summer, the airline plans to take delivery of 50 aircraft, which will add 16m passengers to traffic.
They have argued that this increase in passenger traffic will bypass Dublin Airport due to these caps.
He mentioned that whilst the airport is doing this, other European countries are reducing taxes on airlines.
The DAA also plans to increase airport fees by 45% over the next 3 years on top of this cap at Dublin Airport.
O’Leary Goes on The Attack Once Again…
In a very detailed statement, Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary said the following on the Dublin Airport Cap:
“It is clear after 4 years of inaction from Transport Minister Eamon Ryan that he is either unwilling or unable to deliver his National Aviation Policy, which is to;
- (1) enhance Ireland’s connectivity
- (2) foster growth of aviation in Ireland
- (3) to maximise the contribution of aviation to Ireland’s growth and development.”
“After 4 years as Minister, Eamon Ryan has delivered zero growth, a traffic cap at Dublin Airport”.
“Ireland is losing aircraft, traffic, tourism and jobs to Italy, Spain and even Albania!”
“Dublin is 1 of just 3 EU capital city airports this year with zero growth”.
“It joins the distinguished list of Slovakia and Serbia as capital city airports that have failed to grow in 2024.”
An Archaic Restriction, He Continues…
“The Dublin Airport traffic cap of 32m is an artificial restriction which was imposed by the planning authorities in 2007 as a condition for the 2nd terminal.”
“It was designed to prevent surface access at Dublin Airport “collapsing”. It is clear 16 years later that there is no issue with road access at Dublin Airport”.
“[This] is why Dublin Airport has now opened a 2nd runway increasing capacity at Dublin to 60m passenger.”
“While there is ample room to grow in Dublin’s terminals and runways, this growth is blocked by an artificial traffic cap and Eamon Ryan’s failure to act.”
“If Ireland had a capable Transport Minister committed to delivering our National Aviation Policy, then he/she would intervene to lift this cap while the planning matter is being dealt with”.
“Or better still, pass legislation to raise the traffic cap at Dublin Airport to 50m passengers.”
“Dublin Airport is a national asset. It is our main gateway on and off the island of Ireland.”
“Its growth cannot be left to a few County Councillors in Fingal or the usual planning numbys and loonies who will block or delay this cap for up to 4 years.”
“Ireland has a Green Transport Minister and a Green Tourism Minister.”
“After 4 years of failure, these 2 Ministers have shown they are sadly not up to the job.”
“If they don’t act now to abolish this traffic cap at Dublin Airport, then they should quit.”
“The choice is simple. These 2 Green Ministers should either GROW OR GO.”
Overall…
It remains clear that Ryanair still remain miffed with the DAA and the Irish Government over this.
Knowing O’Leary’s track record in the past, he will not let this down until he ultimately wins.
For Dublin Airport, especially with a second runway recently built, it is in their best interests to take advantage of this.
But for now, let’s wait and see what happens moving forward.
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