212,000 set to take off from airport

More than 212,000 jet-setters are expected to travel through Dublin Airport over the Easter Bank Holiday weekend – down 15% on last year.

Around 1,700 flights are set to arrive and depart between Friday and Monday, including 40 charters for early spring sun-seekers.

Lanzarote, Tenerife, Fuerteventura and Las Palmas are the most popular destinations for people in search of some heat after one of the coldest Marches for more than a decade.

Airport staff are advising all travellers to check security regulations about baggage and liquids and give themselves plenty of time to reach their departure gate.

“Between 5am and 7am is the absolute busiest time of the day at Dublin Airport,” a spokeswoman said.

“It is imperative that passengers plan to arrive in the terminal at least 90 minutes before their flight departure time, irrespective of whether they are checking in at the airport or online.”

Customer care teams will also be on duty to assist people through the terminal building.

Last year around 250,000 passengers travelled through the airport over the Easter break – 30,000 fewer people than in 2008.