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PRESS RELEASE
RFH/023/26
06 MARCH 2026
FTA Ireland, representing Ireland’s freight, logistics and express air‑cargo sectors, has welcomed the European Commission’s decision of 10 February 2026 confirming that the process used by An Coimisiún Pleanála (ACP) to introduce a night‑time aircraft movement cap at Dublin Airport did not comply with Regulation (EU) 598/2014.
The ruling substantiates long‑standing concerns raised by FTA Ireland about the disproportionate impact such a cap would have on Ireland’s competitiveness, international trade, and supply‑chain resilience.
FTA Ireland Chief Executive Niall Cotton said: “The Commission has confirmed that the Balanced Approach was not followed. ACP imposed a restrictive night‑time movement cap without properly assessing less restrictive alternatives. This confirms what FTA Ireland has repeatedly said: the cap was unnecessary, unjustified, and damaging to trade‑critical operations.”
The European Commission’s formal assessment concluded that:
- Ireland failed to evaluate less restrictive options before applying an operating restriction, in breach of Article 5(3) of Regulation 598/2014.
- ACP introduced a fixed annual night‑time cap of 35,672 movements based on a supplementary LAmax metric, without first assessing whether measures from the other pillars of the Balanced Approach could meet the Noise Abatement Objective.
- The decision must now be re‑examined, and the Commission notified before any further steps are taken.
The ruling confirms that the night‑time cap was layered on top of an already approved Noise Quota System (NQS), making the restriction “more restrictive than necessary.”
FTAI warns that the night time cap threatens the functioning of Ireland’s high value, time critical supply chains. Currently, cargo flights, though comprising under 15% of nighttime movements, support €1.1 billion in GDP, 15,000 jobs, and €19 billion in trade annually[1]. Much of the cargo moving through Dublin overnight comprises time-sensitive cargoes, including perishable produce, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, critical manufacturing components and other high value products central to Ireland’s export model.
“Ireland’s position as one of the world’s most globally connected economies depends on predictable night time cargo flows,” Mr Cotton said. “Without correction, this cap would undermine competitiveness, deter inward investment and weaken supply chain resilience.”
Given the clarity of the Commission’s ruling and the strategic role of night‑time cargo operations, FTA Ireland is urging Government to:
- Fully re‑examine the ACP decision in line with the Commission’s findings
- Provide explicit legislative protection for night‑time cargo operations due to their strategic national importance
- Ensure that no restrictions are introduced without a full Balanced Approach review and application of Regulation (EU) 598/2014.
- Embed night‑time freight needs in national aviation policy, recognising air cargo as essential economic infrastructure
“This ruling gives Government a unique opportunity to correct course,” Mr Cotton concluded. “Ireland needs an aviation policy that enables growth, supports trade, and protects our critical supply chain infrastructure.”
The Freight Transport Association (FTA) Ireland is a prominent membership trade association that supports businesses in the transport and logistics sectors. Its mission is to “inspire, advocate and endorse safe, efficient and sustainable transport operations and supply chains. FTA Irealnd provides valuable resources, training and advocacy for members, helping them to navigate industry regulations, improve operation efficiency and adopt sustainable practices. Through its efforts, the association plays a key role in shaping the future of transport and logistics in Ireland.
[1] Economic Impact of Cargo Night Flying at Dublin Airport by York Aviation
ENDS
Notes for editors
Media contact: Press Office, FTA Ireland — +353 (0)1 844 7516 — info@ftai.ie — www.ftai.ie
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