Search icon

News

04th Mar 2019

Ryanair and Dublin Airport release statements as hundreds of passengers endure overnight delays

Paul Moore

Dublin Airport

People had to sleep in Dublin Airport overnight.

The recent status yellow snow-ice warning has caused havoc across the country with reports of particularly difficult conditions for motorists. 

While the conditions are expected to improve, the weather had a serious impact on Dublin Airport on Sunday night with various flights grounded and delayed.

Dublin Airport Authority released a statement to JOE which read: “Dublin Airport was open and operational all afternoon.

“Some airlines had issues de-icing departing aircraft which resulted in a knock-on impact on arriving aircraft as aircraft stands were not vacated while de-icing was taking place.

“The airline or its handling agent has sole responsibility for de-icing aircraft. Dublin Airport has responsibility for ensuring the runway and taxiways are sprayed and available for airport operations.

“We are working closely with our airline customers to help passengers.”

Throughout the evening, various passengers were posting on social media saying that they were grounded on the tarmac for as long as three hours in some cases due to the weather.

Dublin Airport’s Twitter account reiterated that some airlines were experiencing delays due to the result of their de-icing facilities.

Ryanair released a brief statement on Sunday night saying that “weather has regrettably caused a small number of Dublin cancellations. All those affected were advised of their rebook/refund options”.

However, passengers on social media said that there was no staff in the airport to assist people with their queries, while pictures were also posted of people sleeping on the floor due to the cancellations.

One passenger said that “Dublin Airport looked like a zombie apocalypse” and described the situation as a “shambles”.

https://twitter.com/lucylamb70/status/1102394731617796097

LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge