Queues in Dublin Airport this morning have been described as a "shambles" as the Airport prepares to have its busiest weekend since the pandemic began.
Almost 800,000 passengers are estimated to travel through the airport during the 12-day St Patrick’s Day period this year from March 12 to March 24.
They expecting passenger numbers to be as high as 77,000 per day between Thursday 17 and Sunday 20 March.
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However, some passengers have described "nightmare" queues earlier this morning as they jet off for the Bank Holiday weekend.
One said on Twitter: "Terminal 2 in Dublin Airport a shambles this morning. Bag tagging and drop off not fully operational. An hour queue. If you are coming for a flight out of T2 get here early."
Another passenger said they spent the "best part of two hours queuing", describing it as "a bit of a nightmare".
A third passenger said they airport was "jam packed" this morning.
They wrote on Twitter: "Surely Dublin Airport know how many people are due to fly each day and timing. Airport jam packed this morning, I am 50 minutes waiting and still not close to scanner. Yet only 4 lanes open.
"This is a pure anxiety inducing way to travel. All around you can hear complaints."
Dublin Airport issued advice to passengers travelling during the busy period, asking them to prepare for security and arrive at least two hours before a short-haul flight.
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They said: "This coming 12-day period is expected to be the busiest the airport has seen since before Covid.
"In order to ensure the smoothest journey possible, Dublin Airport is advising passengers to prepare for security in advance and make their way directly to the security screening area once checked in.
"To help prepare for the security screening process, passengers are invited to visit the Security page on the Dublin Airport website here.
"Travellers are reminded that EU security regulations state that liquids over 100mls cannot be brought through the security screening area. Liquids under 100mls are permitted and should be placed in a transparent, re-sealable bag measuring not more than 20cm x 20cm. Exemptions are in place for medicines and for baby food."
The Airport also said passengers should check their terminal in advance.
"Passengers are also advised to check which terminal their flight is departing from prior to arriving in the airport, which you will be able to find here.
"With passenger numbers increasing and it being the first celebrations of St. Patrick’s Day in two years, Dublin Airport continues to advise passengers travelling on short-haul flights to allow a minimum of two hours before the boarding of their flight and three hours for long-haul flights.
"Those using a long-term car park should allow at least an extra 30 minutes.
"Dublin Airport wishes all passengers a safe and celebratory weekend ahead."
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