Terminal 2 at Dublin Airport was fully reopened on Friday following a precautionary evacuation that triggered hours of travel disruption and a major security response.
The evacuation, which caused widespread concern and significant delays, was lifted after authorities gave the “all-clear” to airport staff.
Bomb Squad Drama at Dublin Airport Terminal 2
Passengers are now being permitted back into the terminal, and normal operations are expected to resume shortly.
“Some temporary disruption to flight schedules may occur, so passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates. We appreciate our passengers’ patience and cooperation,” a spokesperson said.
Heavy Security Presence, Armed Units on Scene
The situation escalated quickly earlier today when An Garda Síochána, Ireland’s national police service, confirmed that specialist units were deployed to the airport.
Witnesses shared footage showing the Armed Support Unit and the EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) squad, commonly known as the “bomb squad”, stationed outside the terminal.
The deployment sparked immediate concern among travellers, with hundreds of passengers evacuated and seen waiting anxiously outside Terminal 2.
Video clips circulating on social media captured a flurry of flashing lights, Garda vehicles, and a visible police presence at the scene.
Terminal 2, which services major international carriers including Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Emirates, Delta, and United Airlines, became the centre of a security scare that saw all operations temporarily suspended.
Flight Operations Resume, But Expect Delays
Although Terminal 2 has now reopened, airport authorities have warned of minor delays as operations gradually return to normal. Flights were halted during the evacuation, but are expected to restart within minutes, according to officials.
Passengers have been urged to stay in contact with their respective airlines for real-time updates. Some flights may experience knock-on delays or minor schedule reshuffles.
Software Glitch Adds to Airport Chaos
In an unrelated issue, a technical problem impacted check-in and boarding systems across several European airports earlier today. Dublin and Cork airports were also affected, albeit minimally.
“Separately, an unrelated software issue has affected airline check-in and boarding systems at some European airports today. This has had a minor impact at Cork and Dublin airports, where some airlines have implemented manual processes.”
This dual disruption, security evacuation, and software failure created a perfect storm for confusion, but airport officials maintained communication throughout.
Dublin Bus Suspends Services to Airport
Adding to the travel chaos, Dublin Bus temporarily suspended key services (routes 16, 19, and 41) to the airport amid road closures and traffic restrictions during the evacuation.
Gardaí confirmed that vehicle access to both terminals was limited during the emergency response.
Even after the terminal reopened, Gardaí advised that traffic around the airport remained significantly congested.
What Caused the Evacuation?
At the time of reporting, the exact nature of the incident that prompted the evacuation has not been made public.
However, the scale of the security presence suggests a serious potential threat was identified and responded to swiftly. No injuries or arrests have been reported, and there is no indication yet of any malicious intent.
Travellers Advised to Stay Alert
Passengers due to travel today are strongly advised to check their flight status and allow additional time for airport transfers. With systems slowly returning to full operation, delays and crowds may continue for several hours.
The incident is a stark reminder of the ever-present need for vigilance at international travel hubs—especially at one of Ireland’s busiest air terminals.
UK News Blog will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
