Irish air passengers could face delays at airport security screening areas next week when new EU restrictions on hand luggage come into effect.
The new rules, which will strictly limit the amount of liquids, gels and other toiletries that passengers can bring through screening areas, were announced by the European Commission in September.
They were devised following the thwarting by British police in August of an alleged plot to blow up transatlantic aircraft using liquid explosives.
From Monday, only containers of 100 mls or less - about a third the size of a standard soft drink can - of liquids, gels, pastes, lotions, cosmetics and contact lens solution may be brought through the passenger screening areas at all EU airports, as well as those of Norway, Iceland and Switzerland.
The containers must be carried in a transparent, resealable plastic bag that must be presented separately to security staff. Only one such bag will be allowed per passenger; its volume may be not greater than one litre and it must measure less than 20cm by 20cm.
The only exceptions to these rules are baby food and medicine needed during the flight, though these items must also be placed in a separate transparent bag and presented at security checks.
However, passengers will still be allowed to buy drinks, perfumes and other liquids in airport shops located beyond the security screening areas. These items will be sealed in clear plastic bags by shop assistants.
The Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) yesterday said the new rules would have a "significant effect" on passengers and urged people to pack with the new limits in mind. "We strongly recommend that passengers familiarise themselves with these new regulations before coming to the airport so that delays at the passenger security screening point are kept to a minimum," said a spokeswoman.
"We are also calling for the support of all key players in the travel/tourism industry to assist the DAA in the communication and implementation of these new EU security regulations."
To avoid serious disruption from next Monday, additional customer service staff will be on hand in Dublin airport's terminal building to advise passengers of the new rules. They will remain "for as long as it takes passengers to familiarise themselves with the new system", according to the spokeswoman.
The DAA will provide transparent, resealable plastic bags for the introductory period, while a freephone telephone number (1800 250 180) will operate from this morning to handle passengers' queries.
A spokeswoman for Shannon airport said extra customer service staff would be "on call" next week, but that major problems were not anticipated. "There will be an education process and we do expect teething problems. We don't expect serious difficulties, but if it happens, we'll be ready," said the spokeswoman.
At Cork airport, additional staff will be deployed and a mobile information desk will be open outside the terminal building next week.