The Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has been signed into law by President Connolly. The Act empowers the Minister for Transport to make an order to address the 32 million passenger cap at Dublin Airport.

“I am delighted that the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Act 2026 has passed into law. This Act recognises the strategic importance of Dublin Airport as our primary international gateway, and delivers on the Programme for Government commitment to address the passenger cap planning condition. I plan to immediately commence the relevant provisions of the Act to enable An Coimisiún Pleanála to undertake the necessary environmental assessments.”“I am committed to ensuring the environmental assessments are completed within the strict timelines set out in the Act, so that an Order may be made to amend or revoke the passenger cap as soon as possible.”

A key aspect of the Act is the protection of daa’s live ‘Infrastructure Application’ which is currently being assessed by Fingal County Council. This planning application seeks permission to raise the passenger cap and to develop several capacity-enhancing projects, including new piers and aircraft stands, along with a new Integrated Transport Hub. Together, these measures will provide the infrastructure required to facilitate Ireland’s ambitious hub strategy for the airport, and will facilitate growth in both passenger and cargo traffic in line with airline strategies and market demand. The Aircraft Noise Competent Authority has published its draft regulatory decision in relation to this application, which is currently out for public consultation.

The Act is the culmination of a comprehensive process that included stakeholder engagement by the Minister for Transport, and extensive pre-legislative scrutiny by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport. The Minister took the outcomes of the process into account in finalising the legislation.

This will now facilitate the sustainable development of Dublin Airport by ensuring compliance with applicable EU law, while balancing the rights of local residents with the objectives of Ireland’s National Aviation Policy and the needs of business and tourism.