Ryanair, Europe’s No.1 airline, today (Thurs, 20 Nov) called on Ireland’s Taoiseach, Micheál “do nothing” Martin to fast-track legislation to scrap Dublin Airport’s unlawful 32m traffic cap, before the end of 2025, as he promised in his January “Programme for Govt”. With a 20 seat majority, voters should not have to wait 12 months for Micheál Martin to keep his Programme promise to scrap this cap. Dublin Airport confirmed they have exceeded this cap with 2 months of the year to go. This shows the urgent need for the Govt to scrap this illegal traffic cap at Ireland’s gateway airport and provide the long-term certainty that all airlines need to invest and grow Irish traffic, tourism, and jobs in time for Summer 2026.

Dublin traffic has only grown this year because the High Court suspended this illegal traffic cap in a case taken by Irish airlines, while the Irish Govt dithered and did nothing. This is not a permanent solution. The future of Ireland’s air access and tourism industry cannot be left to linger while Micheál Martin wanders around COP or wastes even more time at Templemore graduation ceremonies or launching his Govt’s 2^nd housing strategy in just 4 years.

Ryanair’s Michael O’Leary said:

“Ryanair calls on Micheál “do nothing” Martin to stop wasting time wandering around COP or Templemore, and instead pass urgent legislation to scrap Dublin Airport’s unlawful 32m traffic cap, before the end of 2025. With a 20 seat majority, voters should not have to wait 12 months for Ireland’s “do nothing” Taoiseach to use his 20 seat majority to scrap this cap, and allow Irish traffic, tourism, and jobs to grow in time for Summer 2026. Ireland needs action and leadership, not more dither and delay from Micheál “do nothing” Martin 11 months after his new, 20 seat majority Govt promised to scrap this cap. It’s time to act and stop these indefensible delays.”