Numbers flying out of Dublin Airport are down due to passenger cap, claims DAA

Dublin Airport is experiencing a quieter Cheltenham Festival week, with passenger numbers expected to fall short compared to last year due to a cap on airline slots. Officials anticipate around 400,000 passengers this period, down from over 410,000 in the previous year. This situation has led to increased airfares and fewer available flights. Meanwhile, Fingal County Council is working on extending the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan to address infrastructure needs, with a focus on increasing airport capacity from 32 million to 40 million passengers per annum amidst planning delays.

Graeme McQueen, the media relations manager at DAA, indicated that the current cap on airline slots has reduced the number of passengers expected to travel to the Cheltenham Festival, significantly affecting air travel volumes.

AnnMarie Farrelly, the chief executive of Fingal County Council, stated that the Dublin Airport Local Area Plan clearly recognizes the need for expanding the airport's capacity to handle 40 million passengers annually.

Read at Irish Independent