Ryanair Applauds IAA Ruling on Dublin Airport's Non-Compliant Price Increases
On May 28, Ryanair, Ireland's leading airline, welcomed the Irish Aviation Authority's (IAA) ruling that Dublin Airport's recent price hikes are non-compliant with European regulations. This decision follows a complaint lodged by Ryanair in December 2023, contesting a proposed 11% price increase by the Dublin Airport Authority (daa) for 2024, which Ryanair argued was not in line with EU pricing regulations and included misleading environmental incentives.
The IAA confirmed that the daa failed to establish an effective environmental scheme to promote the use of quieter, lower CO2 emission aircraft. Consequently, Ryanair relocated 19 of its more environmentally friendly Gamechanger aircraft to other European airports that offer genuine incentives for growth. Despite Ryanair's submission of a consultancy firm's model on how to implement environmental charges to lower CO2 emissions, the daa's scheme disregarded this advice.
As a result, the daa and Dublin Airport are now required to revoke their unfair price increases and introduce meaningful environmental charges that truly encourage sustainable aviation practices. Additionally, Transport Minister Eamon Ryan is urged to abolish the 32 million passenger traffic cap at Dublin Airport, which hampers growth and inflates airfares.
Ryanair's Eddie Wilson expressed approval of the IAA's ruling, criticizing the daa for repeatedly failing to address various operational issues, including security queues and car parking, and for not adhering to EU regulations on environmental incentives. The ruling is seen as a positive outcome for Irish citizens and visitors who face some of the highest airport fees in Europe to fund the daa's €3 billion capital expenditure program, which includes controversial projects like a €250 million tunnel.
Wilson called on Transport Minister Eamon Ryan to direct the daa to eliminate the unjust price hikes and focus on removing the outdated 32 million passenger cap. This cap, imposed in 2007 due to concerns about road access, no longer applies and is now an obstacle to tourism growth and job creation. By lifting this cap, Ireland could enhance its tourism sector and provide more opportunities for travelers during peak holiday seasons.
