Dublin Airport Secures Approval for Increased Night-Time Flight Operations

Dublin Airport has officially received planning permission to increase the number of night-time flights it can operate and extend the usage hours of its second runway, marking a significant development in the airport's operational capabilities. This decision, announced on July 17, 2025, allows the airport to increase its average night-time flights from 65 to 95 between the hours of 11 PM and 7 AM.

Until now, the north runway, which is the second runway at Dublin Airport, was restricted from being used for take-offs and landings during these hours. However, the new ruling permits its use until midnight and from 6 AM onwards. A crucial aspect of this decision is the introduction of a "Noise Quota Scheme," which aims to regulate the types of aircraft allowed to operate during night hours based on their noise emissions. Specifically, aircraft exceeding a certain noise threshold will be prohibited from taking off or landing at night, thereby addressing community concerns regarding noise pollution.

The approval was granted by An Comisiún Pleanála, the planning authority in Ireland, which stipulated a cap of 35,672 night-time flights annually. This cap is intended to balance the growth aspirations of the airport with the need to protect the residential amenity of nearby communities. In its statement, the Commission emphasized that a quota system alone would not adequately consider the cumulative impacts of increased flight volumes on surrounding areas and the environment.

Last September, the transport industry experienced confusion when An Comisiún Pleanála issued a draft decision regarding night-time flights that appeared contradictory. The draft proposed extending night flight operating hours by two hours while limiting the number of flights to 13,000 annually between 11 PM and 7 AM. This proposed reduction led Aer Lingus CEO Lynne Embleton to criticize the draft as "absolute madness, unworkable, and detrimental to airline services." Other industry stakeholders, including Ibec, Chambers Ireland, and the Irish Exporters' Association, expressed similar concerns regarding the potential impacts of these restrictions.

The decision to increase night-time flights has been met with mixed reactions. Local residents, represented by Niamh Maher of the St Margaret's The Ward Residents Group, voiced their disappointment, arguing that the decision does not sufficiently consider the adverse effects of aircraft noise on community health and quality of life. Maher highlighted the detrimental impact of increased night flights on sleep quality for those living under the flight path of the north runway.

In a broader context, this decision has implications for the ongoing debate surrounding the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, set at 32 million passengers per year since 2007. Transport Minister Darragh O'Brien, who represents the area, is reportedly seeking legal advice on whether legislative changes could facilitate the removal of this cap, which has been a contentious issue in discussions about airport capacity and operational efficiency.

The planning permission for increased night-time operations at Dublin Airport represents a pivotal moment in the airport's growth trajectory. While it aims to enhance operational capacity and meet rising demand, it also raises significant concerns regarding its impact on the surrounding community and the environment. As the airport navigates these complexities, the balance between economic growth and community well-being will remain a focal point of public discourse.