An Coimisiún Pleanála Clears Dublin Airport for 95 Night Flights

An Coimisiún Pleanála has approved Dublin Airport’s request to expand night-time operations, allowing up to 95 flights between 23:00 and 07:00, up from an average of 65. The ruling also extends use of the airport’s north runway, which may now handle traffic until midnight and resume from 06:00. To address community concerns, the planning authority imposed an annual ceiling of 35,672 night-time movements and a “Noise Quota Scheme” that bars aircraft exceeding specified noise levels from operating during the restricted hours. Airport operator DAA said the decision provides long-awaited clarity and will help accommodate future passenger growth, though it expressed disappointment that the flight cap was added to the noise quota. The ruling is expected to unlock other pending infrastructure proposals linked to lifting the airport’s overall passenger limit.