Dublin Airport tells passengers travelling over Easter not to arrive 'too early'

Daa spokesperson, Graeme McQueen, told RTE’s Claire Byrne that there are plenty of travellers who are being "spooked" by images on social media and are turning up far too early, adding to queue delays for early morning passengers.

He said: "That brings people into the airport earlier than they need to be here, making things a little bit busier."

Mr McQueen said he is aware of the difficulties for families travelling with children, and advised parents to bring snacks with them.

He said that a staff task force has been deployed within terminals that can help if needed.

He said that although people did miss flights in March, the daa is continuing to "tweak the model and make refinements".

Mr McQueen said some airlines, such as Ryanair, are allowing passengers to drop off bags early but some are only allowing bags to be dropped two hours before a flight.

He advised people to check with their airline before they travel to the airport and to check in online in advance.

The airport is still advising customers to give themselves at least 3.5 hours to make it through baggage and security.

While those heading away over the break may be tempted to give themselves even more than the recommended time, the knock-on effect of this means early morning queues will be longer, the airport says.

In a recent statement, the daa said it would continue to "refine and adapt its security screening operation, to ensure that all passengers can pass through security in plenty of time to make their flights.”

Extra security lanes have been opened up at Dublin Airport in a bid to tackle the long delays.

There were mixed experiences for travellers this morning what some saying there were “no queues” at 6am while others said it was “mad busy but grand”.

“Fast Track at Dublin airport 100% worth it if it’s available to book through your airline. Through security screening in less than 20min at 4:15am, regular security estimated at 35min AFTER boarding pass gates,” one person tweeted.

Another added: “My gate closes at 6.20am. I arrived in #DublinAirport at 3am, it’s now 5am and your bag drop and check-in are not open - there is a long line waiting. I’m told there is a 90 minute queue at security.

One passenger reported: “Current queues at #DublinAirport T2 this morning… here for 30 mins and halfway to the boarding pass scanner.”

“Get more desks open so we can make our flight! “another begged. “Less than 1hr before flight schedule and still a massive queue at bag drop! #Shocking.”

Another added: “Like, what else would you want to be doing at 4.30am just a few hours before an important business meeting?” alongside a picture a packed terminal.