Recommended arrival times at Ireland airports reduced

DUBLIN, Ireland: In a sign that Ireland's airports are returning to normal, Dublin Airport authorities have returned to advising that passengers arrive two hours before short-haul flights and three hours before international trips.

This follows months of post-Covid "chaos" at the nation's airports, resulting in long lines and even missed flights.

The return to more normal departure times comes as the airport authority has reported a "significant improvement" in security queue times.

However, passengers checking a bag need to allow an extra hour, according to authorities.

Earlier advice from Dublin Airport was that those flying on domestic flights must arrive two-and-a-half hours before domestic flights, and three-and-a-half hours before international flights.

"During July - Dublin Airport's busiest month in three years - over three million passengers flew in and out of the airport," said Dalton Philips, Dublin Airport CEO, as quoted by RTE.

"99% of all passengers passed through security in under 45 minutes, while 90% of passengers queued for 30 minutes or less.

"In the first two weeks of August, virtually all passengers were through security screenings in 30 minutes or less."

The improved screening times are a result of Dublin Airport hiring more staff, as officials worked to bring staffing levels back to 2019 levels.

Also, Ireland's Defence Forces had been on standby to take over vehicle check points at Dublin Airport in the event of a major Covid outbreak, but have now been ordered to stand down.