Travel plans were thrown into disarray at Dublin Airport on Saturday morning after Terminal 2 was evacuated due to a security alert.
Hundreds of passengers found themselves standing outside the terminal as airport staff took precautionary measures, though the exact reason for the evacuation has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities on High Alert
Reports indicate that Ireland’s Defence Forces have been asked to put the bomb disposal squad on standby in case they are needed, according to the Irish Independent.
Garda officers and airport police were visible at the scene, and parts of the surrounding roadways were cordoned off to ensure public safety.
Dublin Airport released a statement reassuring travelers: “Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport has been evacuated this morning as a safety precaution.
Passenger and staff safety is our top priority. Anyone at the airport should follow staff to assembly points.
Flight operations may be temporarily impacted. Please check with your airline for updates. Further info to follow. Thank you for your patience.”
Passengers Face Delays Amid Rising Tensions
The evacuation comes amid a broader context of travel disruption across Europe.
Just hours earlier, a cyber attack had hit several major European airports, targeting Collins Aerospace, the company that provides check-in and boarding systems for multiple airlines.
At Heathrow, travelers were warned of delays and cancellations, with officials urging passengers to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
Brussels and Berlin were also affected, with Brussels confirming that 10 flights had been cancelled and 17 others delayed by over an hour.
A Stressful Morning for Travelers
For passengers at Dublin Airport, the combination of the evacuation and ongoing cyber-related disruptions across Europe has made for a particularly stressful start to the weekend.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and travelers are being advised to follow instructions from airport staff and keep in contact with their airlines for the latest updates.