Dara Brady, Ryanair’s chief marketing officer, described Belfast International as the “closest viable alternative” if the current limit of 32 million passengers per year at Dublin Airport remains unchanged.

Brady also indicated that Ryanair would explore using other airports in Ireland if Dublin becomes unviable due to the cap.

These remarks were made during the launch of Ryanair’s winter schedule at Belfast International, which includes 13 routes and a new service to Kaunas, Lithuania. Ryanair has already transferred 50,000 flight seats from Dublin to Belfast for the winter, with extra capacity added on routes to Stansted, Krakow, and Alicante.

The passenger cap at Dublin Airport stems from a 2007 planning regulation. Ryanair has been a strong critic of this restriction, accusing the Irish Government of inaction. The airline has urged Ireland’s Transport Minister, Eamon Ryan, to direct the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) to release more flight slots at Dublin Airport. Ryanair is also preparing to challenge the cap in court.

Speaking at an event in Belfast, Brady said the cap is hurting tourism and the Irish economy, preventing passenger growth.

“We’ve already moved 50,000 seats for this winter. If the cap stays, Belfast and other regional airports will see more opportunities,” Brady said.

He added that limitations In Dublin during peak times, such as holidays or events like Cheltenham, could push Ryanair to further expand its operations in Belfast.

Dan Owens, the chief executive of Belfast International Airport, welcomed the potential growth. He noted that the airport is investing over £100 million in improvements over the next five years to accommodate increased passenger demand.