Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Evacuation – Bomb Squad Responds
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Dublin Airport Evacuation: Suspicious Item Prompts Bomb squad Response
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A significant evacuation occurred at Dublin Airport on December 19, 2023, after a suspicious item was detected in security scanners at Terminal 2, triggering a response from the irish Army’s bomb disposal unit and the Special detective Unit.
Incident Overview
The incident began shortly before noon on December 19, 2023, at Dublin airport’s Terminal 2, according to Garda Headquarters RTE News reported. A suspicious item was discovered within a bag during routine security screening. This prompted an immediate evacuation of the terminal building and the surrounding areas.
The Irish Army’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit was dispatched to the scene, and officers from the Garda Síochána’s Special Detective Unit (SDU) – Ireland’s national anti-terrorism unit – are leading the investigation as standard protocol for such incidents according to the Irish Examiner.
Investigation and Response
Gardaí have identified the owner of the bag containing the suspect item and are currently conducting inquiries as reported by The Irish Times. Detectives from the SDU have taken charge of the investigation, focusing on determining the nature of the item and assessing any potential threat.
Videos and photographs circulating on social media show large crowds of passengers exiting the terminal and congregating outside, causing significant traffic congestion around the airport. The airport authority has not yet provided a timeline for the resumption of normal operations, advising passengers to check with their airlines for updates.
Impact on Passengers and Flights
The evacuation caused substantial disruption to flight schedules, with numerous departures and arrivals delayed or cancelled. Passengers were advised to expect significant delays and to monitor airline websites and social media channels for the latest data. The airport is working to minimize the impact on travelers, but the situation remains fluid.
| Airline | Affected Flights (as of 3 PM GMT, Dec 19, 2023) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Aer Lingus | EI 401, EI 415, EI 423 | Delayed |
| Ryanair | FR 1234, FR 5678, FR 9012 | Cancelled |
| British Airways | BA 345, BA 789 | Delayed |
Note: This table represents a snapshot of affected flights and is subject to change. Passengers should consult their airline for the most up-to-date information.