Airport requests more night flights

THE Dublin Airport Authority said it is asking land-use officials to drop limits to overnight flights using its planned second runway to allow more peak-time service.

The agency is applying to the Irish Planning Authority to eliminate rules barring the runway from handling more than 65 takeoffs or landings from 11pm to 7am, the airport said.

The airport authority said the number of flights departing between 6am and 7am has doubled since 2003.

“While the DAA is conscious of the concerns of some of Dublin Airport’s neighbouring communities, it also needs to ensure that it maintains an appropriate balance in meeting the operating requirements of our airlines and passengers,” said Robert Hilliard, the director of Dublin Airport.