'Significant Improvement' In Processing Passengers At Dublin Airport

Dublin Airport Authority (daa) has reported "significant improvement" in processing passengers through security screening at Dublin Airport.

The continued reduction in processing times, aided by the ongoing recruitment of new security staff and the availability of prudent contingency measures, can provide increased reassurance to those travelling over the coming weeks.

Speaking at a Joint Oireachtas Transport Committee Hearing, Vincent Harrison, Dublin Airport, Managing Director said that during the month of July so far – Dublin Airport's busiest month in three years which will see almost 3.1 million passengers pass through – more than 95% of all passengers have passed through security in under 45 minutes, while more than 85% of passengers have queued for 30 minutes or less.

This builds on a strong performance during June, which saw Dublin Airport handle more than 2.8 million passengers in total, with around 90% of passengers passing through security in 45 minutes or less.

daa said this improved performance is the result of a continued bolstering of the security screening operation at Dublin Airport, with a concerted and ongoing recruitment drive meaning that staffing levels are now back around 2019 levels. The recruitment of more than 150 security officers since the beginning of June means that since October 2021, daa has almost doubled its security team at Dublin Airport through the hiring of more than 350 officers. The recruitment of additional staff will continue over the weeks and months ahead.

Dublin Airport continues to advise passengers to arrive 2.5 hours in advance for a short-haul flight, and 3.5 hours for a long-haul flight, with an additional hour allowed if checking in a bag. Passenger advice remains under constant review and daa looks forward to reducing the advised arrival times when the time is right. daa's priority is to ensure that passengers make their flights this summer and the recent changes implemented and contingency mechanisms put in place are ensuring continued improvement in the experience of passengers at Dublin Airport. Any changes to passenger advice will be agreed in consultation with all airline partners and communicated to passengers accordingly.