Ryanair CEO Warns of Christmas Flight Price Hikes

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary has warned that one-way flights from Dublin to London could reach €500 (£421) this Christmas due to an annual passenger cap of 32 million at Dublin Airport, which limits capacity despite a second runway being operational since 2015. The airline's requests for an additional 270,000 flight slots this holiday were denied by the Irish Aviation Authority, leading to expected record-high fares as reduced capacity fills up. O'Leary criticized Transport Minister Eamon Ryan for failing to lift the outdated cap, which he believes constrains growth and contributes to rising airfares. With Ryanair adding 50,000 seats to Belfast as an alternative route, O'Leary urges travelers to book early. The Dublin Airport Authority acknowledges that it may exceed its passenger cap this year, prompting calls for policy change to address the issue. O'Leary's comments reflect broader concerns over air travel accessibility and economic impact in Ireland.