Bomb squad called to Dublin Airport over concerning airline luggage item

The Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team were on the scene.

Terminal 2 of the airport was evacuated this morning as a "safety precaution", while traffic entering the area was also restricted.

An Garda Síochána confirmed it requested the assistance of the Defence Forces' Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team on the scene, who later declared the piece of luggage as "safe".

In a statement about the incident, a Garda spokesperson said:

"Following a preliminary examination on scene, the piece of luggage was contained and deemed safe for removal from T2 to an alternate location, which would not impact on airport operations.

"Dublin Airport and associated access routes reopened for normal operations.

"The piece of luggage was subject to further examination by the Army EOD team and has been declared safe.

"An Garda Síochána is continuing our enquiries at this time.

"Based on the information available to An Garda Síochána and other relevant stakeholders, this was an appropriate and responsible approach to the situation which was presented."

Dublin Airport has said that the evacuation of T2 took 90 minutes.

Passengers and staff have since returned to the terminal, and travel has resumed.

Those travelling are advised, however, to check with their airlines about their flights, as there still may be some knock-on delays.

Dublin Airport also said: "Separately, a Europe-wide software issue is causing minor impacts at airports today, including Dublin and Cork Airport.

"Garda Traffic advise traffic remains heavy on routes to the airport."

The 'software issue" referred to in Dublin Airport's statement is the cyberattack on Collins Aerospace, a provider of check-in and boarding systems, which has disrupted operations at major European airports this weekend.

Other airports affected include London Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin, which face widespread delays and cancellations.

The incident forced airports to revert to manual systems, resulting in long queues and operational disruption.

Irish passengers connecting through airports impacted by the cyberattack are advised to check flight status with their airlines before travelling.