A challenge to the passenger cap at Dublin Airport is being referred to the European Unions Court of Justice.
A number of airlines are challenging the Irish Aviation Authority's imposition of a limit on passengers travelling through the airport for the winter and summer.
This challenge had been brought to the High Court in Dublin by a number of airlines, including Aer Lingus, Ryanair, JetBlue and Delta.
They've repeatedly voiced opposition to passenger caps at the airport, warning they'll have to cut back on flights to and from Dublin.
Today, Mr. Justice Barry O'Donnell ruled the matter should be referred to the Court of Justice of the European Union.
He said it was appropriate because EU laws are central to the matter and there's a lack of authoritative guidance on their interpretation and application.
An urgent freeze on the IAA's decision in relation to the summer season next year was granted last month.
Separately, the DAA has applied to Fingal County Council to have the passenger cap at Dublin Airport raised from 32 to 40 million passengers a year.
