Aer Lingus and Aer Rianta were anxious yesterday to play down differences over safety concerns at the new Dublin Airport extension. The problem came to a head last weekend when congestion became so severe that some airport staff said they would not work in such conditions.
The Airline Operators' Committee, which represents all the main carriers at Dublin Airport, has written to the Minister for Public Enterprise, Mrs O'Rourke, about a lack of consultation from Aer Rianta on the extension.
Aer Lingus had gone as far as reporting its concerns to the Health and Safety Authority and to Fingal County Council's fire chief after receiving representations from SIPTU and IMPACT on behalf of members in Aer Lingus.
However, following direct talks between the Aer Rianta chief executive, Mr John Burke, and the new chief executive of Aer Lingus, Mr Michael Foley, both companies agreed to examine the issues within seven days.
Aer Lingus spokesman Mr Declan Conroy said the airline would not be using the extension until all its concerns were addressed, although some carriers were doing so. "We position ourselves at the premier end of the market, which inherently means better customer service and security."
He said until problems regarding luggage carousels and other issues were sorted out, Aer Lingus would not use the new facility. There was a five-week delay in Aer Lingus availing of new facilities at Shannon Airport earlier this year because the airline was not happy with arrangements.
Aer Rianta spokesman Mr Flan Clune said the airport authority was working with Aer Lingus and other airlines to smooth out the difficulties. "You can't open a new extension in the middle of the season without some complaints. It's like an all-Ireland every day - 60,000 people every day - in the middle of the peak season."