daa Outlines Dublin Airport Easter Plans
On Wednesday afternoon, the daa has announced a five-point plan that includes a summary of the many measures being implemented to address the recent delays experienced by passengers at security screening during peak times at Dublin Airport. Following on from the excessive delays on the first weekend of the summer season on 26th-27th March when it was reported that up to 300 passengers missed flights. With the busy Easter holidays fast approaching, the daa is advising passengers to arrive three and half hours prior to departure.
The five core areas that daa is focusing on to address the current operational difficulties are:
1. Increased resourcing
The shortage of security screening staff is the key contributory factor to the current difficulties. While there have been no constraints on recruitment – more than 100 new security staff have already been recruited to date this year – daa is re-doubling its efforts to recruit additional staff.
2. Increased training capacity
All security screeners must be trained and certified in accordance with strict Irish and EU regulations that apply to Irish airports. In addition to expanding its own Airport Security Training resources, daa has contracted third party security trainers to expand the training capacity for new recruits.
3. Deployment of Task Force
Approximately 600 office-based staff are being deployed to support the operation in Departures at Dublin Airport during the weekends and at known peak periods. This Task Force was first deployed last Thursday, (31st March), and has played a key role in the operation achieving significantly reduced queue times over the most recent weekend. The Task Force will continue to play a crucial role in alleviating pressure on the operation over the coming weeks.
4. Targeted communications campaign
daa is utilising the full extent of its digital and social media platforms to notify passengers with updated pre-travel advisory information: “Dublin Airport advises you to allow plenty of time for your airport journey. That’s up to three and a half hours before your departure time from Dublin Airport.” This messaging is consistent with the passenger information currently being provided by Dublin Airport’s main customer Ryanair.
5. Operational activities
daa is keeping security open 24/7 in Terminal 1, to reduce the build-up of queues in advance of early morning departures when the airport is at its busiest. Food and beverage facilities are available airside throughout the night to facilitate passengers. Dublin Airport has ceased selling Fasttrack through its channels to keep a singular focus on the screening process but continues to honour all bookings already made. An extensive review of the layouts of existing security lanes has been undertaken and additional equipment has been provided to improve passenger throughput. This is continuing to be adjusted as the operation builds.
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