Strict checks cause airport chaos, delays

STRICT new security checks caused chaos at Dublin Airport yesterday as departures were delayed and passengers missed flights.

In the early part of the day some passengers missed their flights and people reported waiting times of up to two hours to pass through the security checkpoints at the departure area.

The tighter measures followed the discovery of major security breaches during a recent audit at the airport by the European Civil Aviation Council and the Department of Transport.

Inspectors managed to smuggle knives and a replica bomb through security at the airport during the audit.

A spokesman for Dublin Airport said a significant number of people would have been delayed for at least an hour due to a combination of the enhanced security measures and the large volume of passengers going through the airport.

Dublin Airport Authority advised the public in advertisements published in the national media coming up to the weekend that the enhanced security procedures might add to the average length of time passengers spend in the screening areas, particularly at peak travelling periods. It stated it is concerned to achieve the most appropriate balance between providing the greatest possible assurance to passengers about their safety and security and providing a comfortable journey through its facilities.

Airport officials warned that there will be long delays again at peak times this morning. Passengers are advised to check in at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight departure time and, if possible, to carry only one bag onto their flight. They have also been asked not to carry items through security that would require additional checks.

Fine Gael transport spokeswoman Olivia Mitchell said the situation at the airport over the weekend illustrates the need for new facilities, even if these are only implemented in the short term. It was crazy that people might miss their flights as a result of the new, vital security arrangements.