Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Reopens – Security Alert
- Dublin Airport's Terminal 2 was evacuated on September 20,2024,following a report concerning an item of airline luggage.
- At approximately 1:30 PM local time, airport operator DAA announced that flight operations were expected to resume within the next 30 minutes.
- Gardaí responded to the report of the suspicious luggage and requested the EOD team's assistance.
dublin Airport Terminal 2 Evacuated Due to Suspicious luggage; Operations Resume
Table of Contents
Incident Overview
Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 was evacuated on September 20,2024,following a report concerning an item of airline luggage. Traffic entering the airport was also restricted as a precautionary measure. The evacuation and subsequent examination were led by An garda Síochána (the Irish police force), with assistance from the Defense Forces’ explosive ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.
At approximately 1:30 PM local time, airport operator DAA announced that flight operations were expected to resume within the next 30 minutes. Passengers were advised to check with their airlines for the latest flight updates, as temporary disruptions were anticipated.
Investigation and Resolution
Gardaí responded to the report of the suspicious luggage and requested the EOD team’s assistance. A preliminary examination resolute the luggage could be safely contained and removed from terminal 2 to a location where it would not disrupt airport operations. Further examination by the EOD team confirmed the luggage was safe.
According to a Garda spokesperson, the response was “an appropriate and responsible approach to the situation which was presented,” and inquiries are ongoing. The authorities emphasized that passenger and staff safety remained the top priority throughout the incident.
Separate Technical Issues
The evacuation was not linked to a separate software issue affecting some airlines’ check-in systems. Though, a suspected cyberattack is causing minor disruptions in Dublin and Cork, leading some airlines to implement manual check-in processes. RTÉ News reported on the combined impact of these issues.
Traffic and Ongoing Impact
As of the latest reports, traffic approaching Dublin Airport remains heavy. An Garda Síochána advises motorists to expect delays. DAA initially confirmed the terminal was evacuated as a precautionary measure in an earlier statement.
Timeline of Events
- September 20, 2024 (Morning): Report of suspicious luggage received by Gardaí.
- September 20, 2024 (Midday): Terminal 2 evacuated; airport traffic restricted. EOD team requested.
- September 20, 2024 (1:30 PM): DAA announces expected resumption of flight operations within 30 minutes.
- September 20, 2024 (Ongoing): Traffic congestion persists; inquiries continue.