February 16, 2025
Ryanair Announces Record Dublin Summer Schedule and 14 Next-Gen Aircraft Investment

Ryanair Announces Record Dublin Summer Schedule and 14 Next-Gen Aircraft Investment

Ryanair has announced a record summer schedule for Dublin with 123 routes and an investment in 14 Next-Gen Boeing 'Gamechanger' aircraft.
A line of parked Ryanair aircraft.
Photo Credit: Ryanair

Ryanair has unveiled its most extensive Summer schedule for Dublin. The comprehensive plan includes 123 routes, with a notable addition of a new destination to Rabat, Morocco.

It will also see increased flights on 18 existing popular routes spanning destinations like Faro, Ibiza, Malta, Milan, and Valencia.

This expansion represents a significant breakthrough for Irish aviation. It comes on the heels of a challenging period marked by restrictive traffic limitations.

Ryanair Investment in Dublin


In May 2024, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) imposed a controversial traffic cap that significantly constrained Dublin Airport’s growth potential, impacting tourism, economic development, and job creation across the island.

A pivotal legal challenge by Ryanair has dramatically altered this landscape. The airline’s successful High Court appeal has resulted in a suspension of the traffic cap for Summer 2025. This opens new possibilities for air travel and economic expansion.

This legal victory, combined with reduced airport charges for next-generation aircraft from daa, creates a fertile environment for growth and innovation.

Fleet Expansion Plans


The airline’s investment is substantial and forward-looking. Ryanair will expand its Dublin-based fleet to 34 aircraft, representing a $3.4 billion commitment to Ireland’s aviation infrastructure.

A key highlight of this expansion is the introduction of 14 new Boeing “Gamechanger” aircraft, which benefit from reduced daa charges. They effectively reduce CO2 emissions by 16% and noise levels by 40%.

Despite this short-term success, Ryanair remains vocal about the need for a permanent solution. The airline argues that the Dublin Airport traffic cap artificially constrains the airport’s potential.

The cap prevents it from fully utilizing its two runways and terminals, which could theoretically support up to 60 million passengers annually.

Photo Credit: Ryanair

A Call for Permanent Abolition of Traffic Cap


Ryanair CEO Eddie Wilson articulated the company’s vision. “This expansion is more than just additional routes. It’s about unlocking Ireland’s aviation potential.”

“We’re calling on the new Transport Minister to take a bold step and permanently abolish the traffic cap. This would not just benefit Ryanair, but would be a transformative move for Ireland’s entire tourism and economic ecosystem.”

The potential impact is significant. Ryanair projects that removing the traffic cap could enable the airline to grow Ireland’s passenger traffic by 50%.

This means potentially reaching 30 million passengers per annum by 2030. This growth could have far-reaching implications for tourism, employment, and foreign direct investment.

Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair records a strong November, with their overall numbers still looking robust through the new Winter 2024/25 season.

The current suspension of the traffic cap is temporary, with the legality of the restriction pending review by the EU Court of Justice. Ryanair remains confident that the court will ultimately deem the traffic restriction illegal, but emphasizes the importance of proactive governmental action.

By highlighting the potential economic benefits – increased connectivity, job creation, and tourism growth – Ryanair is positioning itself as a strategic partner in Ireland’s economic development.

As Summer 2025 approaches, all eyes are on Ireland’s new Transport Minister.

The decision to permanently remove the Dublin Airport traffic cap could mark a pivotal moment in the country’s aviation history, potentially setting a new trajectory for growth, connectivity, and economic opportunity.

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