Following a similar airspace closure in the early hours of Wednesday 29th March, the Dublin CTA will close once again overnight. In the latest NOTAM issued by the IAA, it notifies aircrew and operators that the Dublin CTA will go to “Zero Flow” from 01:00 to 01:30 Zulu (02:00-02:30 local) and again from 03:00 to 03:30 Zulu (04:00-04:30 local). This means there can be no traffic in the Dublin CTA between these times.
During the last closure, a number of aircraft were affected including two Aer Lingus flights from the USA that had to hold at high altitude over the Shannon VOR before they could continue on their journey. Given that we’re now further into the summer season, and one of the busiest weekends for air travel so far this year, it’s likely many more flights will be affected.
Flying In Ireland has also learned that the new North Runway will also have its opening hours restricted due to a reported controller shortage at Dublin Airport. The runway was due to reach full operational capability by March 2023 but will now only operate until 18:00 each day for the rest of the summer.
A spokesperson for the IAA during the last closure said “that due to short notice sick leave, the IAA’s Dublin air traffic control operations temporarily restricted the flow of air traffic arriving and departing Dublin Airport in order to ensure safety was maintained. The IAA liaised with the airlines and the daa about the flow restrictions.”
Flying In Ireland also contacted the office of the Minister of State at the Department of Transport with responsibility for aviation, Jack Chambers following the last airspace closure who refused to comment on the matter.
