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Night flight ban would cripple Irish industry, warns FTAI

[ October 31, 2024   //   ]

The An Bord Pleanála (Irish planning board)’s decision that it will propose restrictions on Dublin Airport night flights will severely hamper businesses, says FTA Ireland.

It says that the long-delayed decision, which proposes the introduction of both a noise quota system and cap on flights, will hit trade the Great Britain and the rest of the world.

Chief executive Aidan Flynn, said: “Dublin Airport is a key hub for our economy, providing access to the rest of the world for Irish businesses that both import and export goods as well as manufacture and distribute all the items our nation relies on every day. The integrated air cargo sector is committed to reducing noise and supports a noise quota system. The proposed restriction on night flights through Dublin Airport will limit our nation’s access to overseas markets and reduce global competitiveness.”

He added: “Flying goods into and out of the country at night ensures that the economy has all the goods it needs at the start of every working day, from manufacturing components to medical supplies and perishable produce. Air cargo is a critical part of the supply chain which ensures that time-sensitive goods are ready for use as and when needed.”

He said that the Bord’s operating conditions for Dublin’s North Runway have not considered the economic implications of the decision.

Flynn continued: “Night flights currently make an invaluable contribution to Ireland’s economy, supporting €1.1 billion in GDP and 15,000 jobs. Freight flown at night accounts for 38% of the total freight volumes at Dublin airport, and nearly two thirds of this is transported by express freight operators, primarily those shipping perishable and other time-sensitive goods. Our members operate within very narrow timeframes that allow them to support the country as a whole and ensure Ireland can stay competitive within the market for imports and exports.”  

“After two years of debate to reach this point, it is particularly disappointing that the message has failed to get through to policy decision makers, that without night flights for air cargo, Ireland’s economy is stymied and opportunities for overseas investment are being jeopardised. We are urging those responding to the ongoing consultation to consider the impact a negative outcome could have on the future health of the Irish economy.”

A recent report, The Economic Impact of Cargo Night Flying at Dublin Airport by York Aviation, showed that night time flights carry around €19 billion worth of imports and exports every year, including 12% of Ireland’s total imports and 6% of its exports.

Flynn concluded: “As it happens behind the scenes and largely out of sight, many of us do not fully appreciate the role that air freight, and night flights in particular, plays in keeping the economy moving and the country supplied with all the things we need to survive and flourish. Night flying is a critical element of Ireland’s highly complex and interconnected supply chain, which ensures that our economy can function efficiently and makes Ireland a more attractive place to do business.”

Dublin Airport recently opened a second runway building of which was allowed on condition that there would be some restrictions on night flights. However, many in the freight industry consider that they sector is being unfairly penalised. Some consider that the industry would have been better off without the second runway without the additional night time restrictions.

There are few, if any alternatives to Dublin as an air gateway to Ireland. The nearest airports capable of handling long-haul flights are Shannon and Belfast International, both of them over two hours away by truck. Moreover, the overwhelming majority of Ireland’s business and commerce is in the greater Dublin area.

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