Ryanair to shift more flights to Belfast to beat Dublin passenger cap

DUBLIN, Ireland: Ryanair has announced plans to shift more flights to Belfast International Airport if the current passenger cap at Dublin Airport remains in place.

The airline's Chief Marketing Officer, Dara Brady, described Belfast as the "closest viable alternative" if Dublin's 32 million annual passenger limit is not lifted.

Brady indicated that Ryanair would also explore options at other Irish airports should Dublin Airport continue to face restrictions. These comments were made during the launch of Ryanair's 13-route winter schedule for Belfast International, which includes a new route to Kaunas, Lithuania.

Ryanair has already moved 50,000 seats from Dublin to Belfast for the winter season, adding capacity to popular routes like Stansted, Krakow, and Alicante. The cap at Dublin Airport, which dates back to 2007 planning regulations, has been a contentious issue, with Ryanair being one of its most vocal critics.

The airline has called on Ireland's Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, to direct the Irish Aviation Authority to increase flight slots at Dublin Airport. Ryanair is also planning to challenge the restriction in court, arguing that it harms tourism and the economy by stifling passenger growth.

"If Dublin is closed for business, it creates opportunities for Belfast and other regional airports in Ireland," Brady said during an event in Belfast. He added that the cap could force Ryanair to look for alternative options for increased capacity during busy periods, such as holidays and major events like Cheltenham.

Belfast International Airport's Chief Executive, Dan Owens, welcomed the potential increase in traffic, stating, "We'd welcome anything that drives additional passenger demand." Owens also highlighted the airport's plan to invest over £100 million in improving facilities over the next five years.

As the debate over Dublin's passenger cap continues, Ryanair's move signals potential shifts in air traffic within Ireland, with Belfast poised to benefit from the ongoing dispute.