Air, Freight News


FTA Ireland dismayed at Dublin night flights decision

[ August 26, 2025   //   ]

FTA Ireland (FTAI) says it is disappointed by the An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP, Irish Planning Board)’s final decision to impose a quota on night flights at Dublin Airport.

Chief executive Niall Cotton, said the ruling disregarded recommendations made by the organisation and its members, and will restrict the logistics industry in its efforts to support economic growth for Irish businesses.

He added: “While we support the introduction of a noise quota at Dublin Airport – as a measure to address noise concerns while allowing for growth and commercial flexibility consistent with international best practice – we remain concerned about the addition of a fixed annual cap of nighttime aircraft movements.”

“We acknowledge that the new cap is set at a substantially higher level than the initial proposal presented, but it only preserves the status quo. This risks limiting future growth in international trade, particularly for cargo operators. Once the cap is reached, growth would depend on the use of larger aircraft, which may not be feasible due to market and operational constraints. The cap will also discourage investment in quieter, low- or zero-quota aircraft, undermining progress toward more sustainable aviation.”

Pressure had been growing on the airport operator to introduce limits on night flights following the opening of the airport’s second runway.

Cotton continued that there is also uncertainty around whether such a cap on movements is actually needed: “Whether the cap is needed on top of the noise quota to meet the Noise Abatement Objective (NAO) remains speculative. Under EU Regulation 598/2014, restrictions must not be more restrictive than necessary. We stress that policy decisions should be evidence-based, not driven by hypothetical scenarios.”

FTAI says that currently freighter flights make up under 15% of nighttime movements but support €1.1 billion in GDP, 15,000 jobs, and €19 billion in trade annually, much of it time-sensitive cargoes, including perishables, pharmaceuticals critical manufacturing components and high-value goods.

“It is clear that the situation is still not resolved fully,” Cotton concludes. “FTAI and its member businesses, which keep the Irish economy stocked with everything it needs, is keen to continue working closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to develop a clear, future-oriented vision that supports sustainable growth, innovation, and Ireland’s economic competitiveness.”

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