Flying into Dublin has become increasingly expensive in 2026 due to a combination of rising airport charges and strict passenger capacity caps. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) implemented a significant fee hike of approximately 10% starting in January 2026 to fund infrastructure improvements and operational costs. Additionally, the airport is currently operating under a long-standing government-mandated 32 million annual passenger cap, which has led to a "scarcity of slots" for airlines. Because demand to visit Ireland remains at record highs but the number of flights is restricted, airlines have significantly increased ticket prices to maintain their profit margins. Other factors include high carbon taxes and Ireland's location as a transatlantic hub, which keeps airport fees competitive but high for short-haul carriers. To find cheaper fares, many travelers are now looking at "secondary" gateways like Shannon or Cork, or booking mid-week flights during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid the peak pricing driven by summer tourism and the limited availability of landing slots at Dublin International.