Ireland: Aer Lingus Opposes Ryanair's Dublin Airport Hangar

In a recent development at Dublin Airport, Aer Lingus actively seeks to delay Ryanair’s €40 million state-of-the-art four-bay aircraft maintenance hangar project. This move comes after Fingal Co Council granted planning permission to Ryanair last month, paving the way for a significant investment that could generate over 200 jobs for engineers and mechanics.

Aer Lingus has taken the unusual step of seeking leave from An Bord Pleanála to file a third-party appeal against the planning permission granted to Ryanair. The airline is also challenging a separate decision by the Fingal Co Council to approve an extension to the north apron at Dublin Airport, given to the Dublin Airport Authority (Daa).

A notable aspect of Aer Lingus’s approach is their use of Section 37(6) of the Planning and Development Act 2000 to file appeals instead of making submissions during the initial application process.

Niall Timlin, Director of Corporate Affairs at Aer Lingus, submitted a three-page appeal outlining concerns about the impact of Ryanair’s expansion plans on Aer Lingus’s operations. Timlin emphasized that the granted permission would materially affect the enjoyment and value of Aer Lingus’s adjacent land, particularly Hangar 6, where Aer Lingus currently operates.

Timlin stated, “If Ryanair proceeds with the planning permission, Aer Lingus will be restricted in terms of aircraft movement and parking on the Hangar 6 apron before and after maintenance service, resulting in a profound negative impact.”

One key point of contention highlighted by Timlin is the reduced size of the roof in Hangar 7, granted with Ryanair’s permission. This reduction may impact how the hangar accommodates specific aircraft, such as the Boeing 737W, Max, and the larger Boeing 737 Max 10 Aircraft.

Furthermore, Timlin expressed concerns about potential congestion and conflicts arising from changes in aircraft parking within Hangar 7. He emphasized the sensitivity of the narrow entrance between Hangar 6 and Hangar 7, calling it a “pinch point” that could affect the orderly and efficient use of the apron for both airlines.

Timlin’s submission argued that the Board must grant leave to appeal, as the granted planning permission significantly differs from the original application. The attached conditions materially affect Aer Lingus’s enjoyment of its land and reduce its value. The appeal process will shed light on whether Aer Lingus’s concerns will impact the progression of Ryanair’s expansion plans at Dublin Airport.