Dublin Airport has been granted permission to significantly increase nighttime flights, with the new limits subject to strict noise restrictions.
An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved raising the annual cap on nighttime aircraft movements to 35,672, effectively allowing up to 98 flights per night between 11pm and 7am, compared to the previous limit of 65 flights.
The planning body said it agreed with inspectors’ revised calculations in reaching the decision, published on Thursday. The new quota will remain in place for 12 months from April 1st.
Under the updated conditions, the ban on flights at the north runway between 11pm and 7am has been reduced to between midnight and 6am, except in exceptional circumstances such as emergencies, adverse weather, or technical faults in air traffic control systems.
The decision comes with stringent noise controls, with aircraft that breach noise quotas being prohibited from taking off. An Coimisiún Pleanála said the measures would ensure both the number and noise level of nighttime flights are “effectively managed.”
The increased capacity represents a significant boost for Dublin Airport’s operations, potentially allowing for more late-night and early-morning flights while maintaining controls to address noise concerns from local residents.
The decision follows extensive deliberations over balancing the airport’s operational needs with environmental and community considerations.