Irish airports return to normal after terror alert

Irish airports returned to normal today after yesterday's terror alert in Britain, but authorities warned passengers would face…

Irish airports returned to normal today after yesterday's terror alert in Britain, but authorities warned passengers would face stringent security checks before boarding aircraft.

Around 80,000 travellers are expected through Dublin airport today, with airlines reporting little or no delays.

Extensive screening of passengers and baggage is taking place, and no hand baggage is permitted on board aircraft travelling to Heathrow airport and the United States.

Only essential travel documents, pocket-sized wallets and prescribed medicines can be taken on board.

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No liquids - including alcohol, perfume or drinks - are allowed. Exceptions will be made for baby formula, breast milk, or juice if a baby of small child is travelling.

Thousands of passengers were affected by yesterday's major disruptions. Almost 40 services to and from Dublin were cancelled with around 6,000 passengers stranded.

A spokeswoman for Dublin Airport Authority said it was back to business as usual today.

"We don't expect any cancellations," said Dick Butler of Aer Lingus. "Our first flight from Dublin left on time this morning. There were slight delays coming out on the first flight from Heathrow because of security issues there. We also expect delays on our Shannon service coming from Heathrow as well.

"Otherwise passengers should turn up on time and we will run a full schedule. With the exception of new regulations that came in yesterday morning, people are passing through security OK.

"For how long that security alert is going to last I don't know, it's up to the security agencies, but I feel it won't change for the next couple of weeks and months, and people should be prepared for that," he said.

Peter Sherrard, head of communications for Ryanair, said the airline's 102 routes from Ireland today are all operating as scheduled, but there are some delays going into London.

"Worst affected at the moment is Stansted, which is currently operating to around 80 per cent capacity, so there have been nearly 20 cancellations from there this morning. Only one of those is coming to Dublin," he said.

PA