This article summarizes reporting by RTE and Fergal O’Brien.

Legislation Moves to End Dublin Airport‘s Passenger Cap Saga

The Irish Government has approved the priority drafting of new legislation designed to resolve the long-standing conflict over the passenger cap at Dublin Airport. According to reporting by RTE, the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 aims to empower the Minister for Transport to amend or revoke the controversial limit of 32 million annual passengers, a restriction that has been in place since 2007.

This legislative move comes as the airport faces intense pressure from international airlines, business groups, and legal challenges. The cap, originally intended to manage road traffic congestion, has become a stifling ceiling on Ireland’s connectivity, with passenger numbers breaching the limit in both 2024 and 2025.

A Historic Context

The urgency of the new bill contrasts sharply with the airport’s humble beginnings. As noted by RTE’s Fergal O’Brien, it has been just over 86 years since the first commercial flight departed from the site.

“It’s just over 86 years since the first flight took off from what is now known as Dublin Airport…”

, Fergal O’Brien, RTE

That inaugural flight, an Aer Lingus service to Liverpool in January 1940, launched from what was then Collinstown Airport. Today, the facility has evolved from a grass airfield into a major international hub handling over 36 million passengers annually, far exceeding the planning conditions set nearly two decades ago.

The 2026 Bill: Breaking the Deadlock

The proposed legislation seeks to bypass the slow local planning process that has hindered expansion. Under the new bill, the Minister for Transport, Darragh O’Brien, would have the authority to intervene directly regarding the cap. The government aims to enact this legislation by the end of 2026.

The decision follows a turbulent period for the airport:

• 2024 Breach: The airport handled 33.3 million passengers, exceeding the 32 million cap.
• 2025 Record: Passenger numbers surged to 36.4 million, further highlighting the disconnect between the legal limit and actual demand.
• International Pressure: US industry groups, specifically Airlines for America, warned of potential retaliatory measures if US carriers were blocked from accessing Dublin due to the cap.

Stakeholder Reactions

The response to the government’s announcement has been polarized. The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) and its CEO, Kenny Jacobs, welcomed the bill as “decisive action” necessary to protect Ireland’s reputation as an open economy.

However, airline executives are pushing for a faster timeline. Ryanair CEO Michael O’Leary criticized the end-of-2026 target, arguing that the cap should be removed by St. Patrick’s Day to prevent damage to route growth. Aer Lingus has similarly expressed concern that the cap undermines its strategy of using Dublin as a transatlantic hub.

Conversely, local residents have reacted with outrage. Groups such as the St. Margaret’s The Ward Residents Group have described the move as a “disgrace,” arguing that the cap was their only protection against excessive noise and night flights. They contend that the government is prioritizing corporate interests over the health and well-being of local communities.

AirPro News Analysis

The introduction of the Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026 represents a significant shift in how Ireland manages critical infrastructure. By moving the power to regulate capacity from local planning authorities to the central government, the state is signaling that national economic connectivity supersedes local planning constraints.

However, this “saga” is unlikely to end immediately upon the bill’s enactment. The legislation requires engagement with An Coimisiún Pleanála and adherence to EU environmental laws. Given the staunch opposition from resident groups, we anticipate that any ministerial decision to lift the cap will face immediate legal challenges, potentially in the form of a Judicial Review. While the bill provides a pathway to growth, the road ahead remains paved with legal and environmental hurdles.

Sources

Sources: RTE, DAA, Government of Ireland

This article is based on an official press release from the City of Chicago.

O’Hare Unveils “Orchard-Inspired” Vision for New Concourse D

On Thursday, February 5, 2026, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the Chicago Department of Aviation (CDA) released a detailed animated preview of “The New Concourse D” at O’Hare International Airports. Formerly known as Satellite Concourse 1, this $1.3 billion infrastructure project represents a pivotal phase in the airport’s massive ORDNext expansion program.

According to the official announcement, the new facility is currently under construction following a groundbreaking ceremony in August 2025. Scheduled to open to the public in late 2028, Concourse D is designed to modernize the passenger experience with a focus on wellness, natural light, and operational flexibility. The project is being led by the architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), alongside partners Ross Barney Architects and Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects (JGMA).

The newly released video highlights a dramatic shift in design philosophy for the airport, moving away from industrial aesthetics toward a “nature-infused” environment that pays homage to the site’s history.

Design Philosophy: Returning to the Orchard

The central theme of the new concourse is a direct nod to O’Hare’s pre-aviation history as an apple orchard, originally known as Orchard Field, which gave the airport its “ORD” IATA code. The City of Chicago press release details how the interior architecture features tree-like structural columns that branch out to support the roof, creating a canopy effect intended to reduce travel stress.

A key feature of the design is the “Oculus,” a central skylight that serves as the building’s architectural focal point. The design team emphasizes that this feature is not merely aesthetic but functional, directing natural daylight deep into the building to aid in intuitive wayfinding.

“We designed the new satellite concourse to create a frictionless experience for travelers… The gate lounges feature column-free expanses for easy wayfinding, high ceilings to optimize views, and a daylighting strategy to help align the body’s natural rhythms.”

, Scott Duncan, Design Partner at SOM

The facility will include over 20,000 square feet of airline lounge space and 30,000 square feet dedicated to retail and concessions. In a move to accommodate modern traveler needs, the design also incorporates a dedicated children’s play area and multi-level communal seating equipped with integrated charging stations.

Operational Capacity and ORDNext Strategy

Beyond the aesthetics, Concourse D is a critical component of the broader ORDNext (formerly O’Hare 21) capital program. The expansion is necessary to maintain O’Hare’s status as a global hub by increasing gate capacity and flexibility.

According to the CDA, the concourse will add 19 new flexible gates to the airport’s portfolio. These gates are designed with versatility in mind, capable of accommodating:

• 19 wide-body Commercial-Aircraft for international routes, or
• Nearly double that number in narrow-body aircraft for domestic flights, depending on the daily configuration.

This flexibility allows the airport to adjust to shifting market demands between domestic and international travel without requiring physical construction changes.

“By breaking ground on Concourse D, we are taking a critical first step toward enhancing how the airport welcomes and serves more than 80 million passengers each year.”

, Michael McMurray, CDA Commissioner

Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the economic impact of the project, noting that it serves as an economic engine for the region. The city estimates the project will create approximately 3,800 construction jobs.

AirPro News Analysis

The rebranding of “Satellite 1” to “Concourse D” and the release of this high-fidelity animation signal a clear intent by Chicago officials to solidify the project’s identity before the steel rises significantly. By leaning heavily into the “Orchard” narrative, the CDA is attempting to differentiate O’Hare from other sterile, glass-and-steel global hubs.

From an operational standpoint, the “flexible gate” configuration is the most significant detail. As airline fleets evolve and the mix between wide-body international haulers and narrow-body domestic hoppers fluctuates, static gates can become liabilities. The ability to park two narrow-bodies in the footprint of one wide-body maximizes the return on Investments for this $1.3 billion asset, ensuring it remains relevant regardless of how airline strategies shift in the 2030s.

Timeline and Next Steps

The project is currently active, with construction managed by the joint venture AECOM Hunt Clayco Bowa. The timeline provided by the city outlines the following key milestones:

• August 18, 2025: Official Groundbreaking.
• February 5, 2026: Unveiling of final interior design and “Concourse D” naming.
• Late 2028: Projected completion and grand opening.

Concourse D is located just south of the existing Concourse C (Terminal 1) and will be connected via a new walkway extension. It serves as the precursor to the eventual demolition of Terminal 2, which will make way for the future O’Hare Global Terminal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the new Concourse D located?
It is located directly south of the existing Concourse C at Terminal 1. It will be connected to the main terminal complex via a new walkway extension.

When will Concourse D open?
The City of Chicago and the Chicago Department of Aviation have scheduled the opening for late 2028.

Why is it called the “Orchard” design?
The design pays tribute to “Orchard Field,” the original name of the airfield that became O’Hare. The interior columns resemble trees, and the layout emphasizes nature and light.

How much will the project cost?
The budget for Concourse D is set at $1.3 billion.

Sources

• City of Chicago Press Release

This article is based on an official press release from SAS Group.

SAS and TAROM Launch Strategic Codeshare to Connect Scandinavia and Romania

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and TAROM, the flag carrier of Romania, have announced a comprehensive codeshare agreement set to commence on February 9, 2026. The partnership aims to restore and enhance connectivity between Northern Europe and Romania following SAS’s strategic shift to the SkyTeam alliance.

According to the official announcement from SAS Group, the agreement will allow passengers to book single-ticket journeys between the two regions by utilizing major European transit hubs. This move integrates TAROM, a long-standing SkyTeam member, more deeply with SAS, which officially joined the alliance on September 1, 2024.

The collaboration addresses a significant gap in network connectivity, offering business and leisure travelers seamless baggage check-through and reciprocal loyalty benefits. Paul Verhagen, EVP & Chief Commercial Officer at SAS, emphasized the strategic value of the deal in a statement:

“This new partnership with TAROM marks an important step in enhancing connectivity between Scandinavia and Romania. By combining our networks and offering smooth transfers via key European hubs, we are giving our customers more choice, flexibility, and convenience.”

Operational Details: The Virtual Hub Strategy

Rather than launching direct flights immediately, the airlines are leveraging a “virtual hub” strategy. According to the press release, the codeshare will route traffic through four key intermediate airports: Amsterdam (AMS), Brussels (BRU), Frankfurt (FRA), and Prague (PRG).

Under the terms of the agreement:

• TAROM will place its RO marketing code on SAS flights connecting Copenhagen, Oslo, and Stockholm to these intermediate hubs.
• SAS will place its SK marketing code on TAROM flights connecting Bucharest to the same hubs.

This structure allows the airlines to offer competitive travel times and frequency without dedicating aircraft to direct point-to-point routes, which are currently dominated by low-cost carriers.

Strategic Context: The SkyTeam Realignment

This agreement is a direct consequence of the major airline alliance realignment that occurred in late 2024. When SAS departed Star Alliance to join SkyTeam, it lost its traditional connectivity to Eastern Europe provided by partners like Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines. Partnering with TAROM allows SAS to rebuild its footprint in the region using SkyTeam infrastructure.

For TAROM, the deal unlocks access to the high-yield Scandinavian market. The Romanian carrier is currently in the midst of a fleet modernization program, transitioning from aging aircraft to new Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets expected to arrive in late 2025 and 2026. By utilizing SAS for the northern leg of the journey, TAROM can expand its network reach while conserving its own metal for other high-demand routes.

Narcis Obeadă, Commercial Director at TAROM, hinted at further expansion in the company’s statement:

“In the coming period, TAROM will announce new commercial agreements, in line with the company’s mission to safely and efficiently connect Romania and Romanian culture to the international air transport network.”

Passenger Experience and Loyalty

Travelers utilizing the codeshare will benefit from the full suite of SkyTeam alliance perks. Members of SAS EuroBonus and TAROM’s loyalty program will be able to earn and redeem points on these codeshare flights. Additionally, premium passengers will gain access to SkyTeam lounges at transit hubs.

The passenger experience on the SAS leg of these journeys is also set for an upgrade. SAS is currently rolling out free high-speed Starlink WiFi across its fleet, a project the airline states will be widely available by late 2025.

AirPro News Analysis

The “Prague” Anomaly and Market Positioning

The inclusion of Prague (PRG) as a connection hub is a notable operational detail. Following the cessation of operations by Czech Airlines (CSA) as a standalone SkyTeam member in October 2024, Prague is no longer a primary alliance hub. The decision to route traffic through PRG suggests a strong bilateral interline capability between SAS and TAROM that functions independently of major alliance hub infrastructure.

Furthermore, this deal clearly targets the premium business segment. While low-cost carrier Wizz Air operates direct flights between Bucharest and Copenhagen, legacy carriers cannot compete purely on price. Instead, SAS and TAROM are competing on schedule flexibility (multiple daily frequencies via hubs) and corporate perks (lounge access, baggage interlining). With tourism to Romania rising, foreign arrivals were up 13.4% year-on-year as of August 2024, the demand for reliable, full-service connectivity is likely to grow.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I book these codeshare flights?
The codeshare agreement is effective starting February 9, 2026. Tickets should be available through both airlines’ booking channels prior to this date.

Will my bags be checked through to the final destination?
Yes. Because this is a full codeshare agreement, passengers traveling on a single ticket (e.g., Bucharest to Stockholm via Amsterdam) will have their baggage checked through to the final destination.

Do these flights count toward SkyTeam Elite status?
Yes. Flights marketed and operated by SkyTeam members (SAS and TAROM) count toward tier status and accrue redeemable miles/points according to the rules of your specific loyalty program.

Sources

• SAS Group Press Release
• SkyTeam Alliance Data
• Romania National Institute of Statistics (Tourism Data)