McEvaddys challenge Dublin Airport capacity plans

A consortium backed by Ulick and Des McEvaddy has warned that Dublin Airport’s current infrastructure planning is inadequate for growing passenger numbers. The submission to the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) comes as the regulator reviews maximum passenger charges for 2027–2031.

DA Terminal 3 (DAT3), representing the McEvaddys’ land interests between the airport’s main runways, argued that a privately-owned third terminal could double capacity for roughly the same €2.2 billion investment planned by the DAA. The group criticised the airport’s approach, claiming it fails to meet Ireland’s increasing passenger demand while questioning regulatory duty compliance.

The DAA has countered that lifting passenger caps and developing existing infrastructure will require regulatory flexibility to remain financially sustainable. It emphasised that geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, along with US tariffs, have heightened operational risks and market uncertainty.

Current forecasts estimate Dublin Airport will handle around 36 million passengers in 2025, exceeding the 32 million cap set during Terminal 2’s construction. While the DAA seeks approval to increase capacity to 40 million annually, DAT3 insists a new terminal offers a more efficient long-term solution.

Airlines including Aer Lingus have also submitted feedback, citing concerns over systemic excess profits and underestimation of passenger forecasts. The debate underscores the tension between public airport planning, private investment proposals, and the pressures of international aviation trends.

The IAA’s upcoming decisions on passenger charges and infrastructure approvals will shape Dublin Airport’s ability to handle future growth and maintain service standards.

Read the full analysis on Dublin Airport’s capacity and regulatory debate.