Aer Lingus CEO calls for removal of Dublin Airport night-time noise restrictions
Updated / Friday, 1 Aug 2025 11:52
The Aer Lingus chief executive has said the recent An Coimisiún Pleanála decision on night-time noise at Dublin Airport introduced an “unnecessary” annual movement restriction, which is likely to impede both future growth of north Atlantic traffic and the basing of more short-haul aircraft in Dublin.
“This restriction on night-time movements will have to be removed,” Lynne Embleton stated.
“Together with the continued uncertainty around the passenger cap at Dublin Airport, it will have negative economic and employment impacts,” the Aer Lingus CEO said.
“It is also now imperative that Government intervenes and urgently legislates for the removal of the passenger cap,” she added.
Her comments come as Aer Lingus reported operating profits of €135m for the second quarter of this year, a significant improvement on its operating profit of €91m the same time last year.
The airline, which is owned by IAG, said this takes its operating profit for the first half of 2025 to €80m, compared to €9m for the first half of 20204.
Aer Lingus said its strong performance was driven by capacity growth and a robust revenue performance, while it also saw the benefit of favourable fuel pricing.
It saw a 4.3% increase in passenger numbers in the three month period, while it also reported 10.9% growth in overall capacity.
Aer Lingus began operating its biggest ever North American network this summer including the start of new services from Dublin to Nashville and Indianapolis as well as an expanded European leisure network.
It also announced its first direct flight to Cancún in Mexico, which is due to start in January 2026.
Ms Embleton said the airline’s second quarter financial performance builds upon the momentum seen in the business in both the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025.
