Summary
- Carriers at Dublin Airport are considering large-scale service reductions due to passenger capacity caps.
- The Aer Lingus CEO calls for lifting the passenger limit while criticizing Dublin Airport Authority for inaction.
- Failure to raise the limit could damage the Irish economy and the airline industry’s growth, so she has requested an increase to 40M.
The passenger capacity cap at Dublin Airport (DUB) has wreaked havoc among carriers at the facility, many of which have begun to consider large-scale service reductions. Airport authorities, who have indicated that a capacity limit is certainly needed, are facing increasing pressure from industry leaders and the public to increase the cap.
While many international airlines, including all three United States-based legacy carriers, have threatened to eliminate service at the facility, they do not account for the majority of traffic. Most notably, budget airline Ryanair and flag carrier Aer Lingus dominate traffic at the facility, and both have immediately begun to push back on the airport’s decision, some with stronger language than others.
Photo: Peter Krocka | Shutterstock
In recent media appearances, Aer Lingus’ CEO Lynne Embleton has been quick to add to the extensive opposition towards the new policy. Specifically, the airline executive has indicated her strong belief that the capacity cap must be lifted and maintains a firm view of the significant consequences that could result from the passenger limit not being raised.
A firm position
In recent media communications following the first quarter earnings announcements of the International Airlines Group (IAG), which controls Aer Lingus, the carrier’s CEO has emphasized the immediate need to address the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. Specifically, the executive argued that this capacity restriction is limiting the potential for airline growth and damaging the Irish economy as a whole.
The cap, according to RTE, was first implemented due to passenger constraints and was meant to help reduce traveler numbers. The limit was intended to help support a number of expansion projects while lowering the number of travelers in the airport to help prevent delays and other operational disruptions.
Photo: Bradley Caslin | Shutterstock
Embleton extensively criticized the Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) for not choosing to take action on this matter sooner. In a statement made to the media, she had the following words to share:
“As I’ve said before, this hasn’t been well managed and the DAA should have acted a lot sooner and I believe they should have made an interim planning application by now.”
As multiple different airlines have had expansion plans for years now, Embleton’s criticism is unsurprising and has been backed up by others within the industry for months now. Many have wondered why the airport did not plan for this level of growth and prepare a motion to raise the capacity cap sooner.
Related
Europe Calling: Aer Lingus Plans 18 US Routes This Summer
A brand-new route begins in May, while another resumes in April.
Problematic consequences
The consequences of Dublin Airport’s decision not to expand its capacity limit could prove expensive, with many implications for both the economy and the traveling public. According to The Irish Times, Embleton has requested that the capacity cap be extended up to 40 million from the current 32 million, which she believes will allow for continued growth.
Photo: Croatorum | Shutterstock
Despite reporting an €82 million ($88 million) operating loss during the first quarter, Aer Lingus remains fully committed to its expansion strategy, which would require continued growth at its Dublin hub. The leader’s remarks continue to underscore the fact that many in the industry believe urgent action is necessary to help alleviate regulatory pressures restricting airline expansion at the facility.