Ordeal continues at Dublin airport

Dublin airport may be open for business again today but for those passengers patiently waiting to board flights that will hopefully…

Dublin airport may be open for business again today but for those passengers patiently waiting to board flights that will hopefully get them home for Christmas, conditions are less than ideal.

The airport opened at 7am, one hour ahead of expectations, after crews worked overnight to clear the main runway, taxiway and apron areas of snow and ice.

The difference in atmosphere between the arrivals and departures area of the airport couldn't be more marked today. While the arrivals hall is an oasis of calm, with few flights coming in, the scene in the departures area is chaotic. There are queues everywhere, with many people spread out trying to sleep on escalators and in the restaurant areas.

A number of those trapped at the airport over the past few days have been critical about the lack of information provided by airlines. The overriding complaint is that passengers simply do not know what is going on with many only being officially informed about flight cancellations via text message hours after the fact.

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Airlines and the Dublin Airport Authority were also criticised about a lack of assistance for elderly people, who were forced to join long queues lasting hours.

While many of those stuck in Dublin overnight found solace in hotels in the city centre, some opted to spend the night in the airport.

An estimated 40,000 passengers booked on 230 flights had their travel plans disrupted yesterday as the airport closed shortly after noon.

A further 70,000 people are due to fly via Dublin airport today. Both Aer Lingus and Ryanair say they are operating at close to normal capacity on routes out of the airport.

Cork, Shannon and Belfast airports are all operational. Ireland West Airport Knock is experiencing delays to its schedules.