Air travellers warned to expect delays at Dublin

Travellers passing through Dublin Airport this bank holiday weekend have been warned to expect delays due to air traffic control restrictions.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) says delays will be "no worse than last weekend" - when up to 80 per cent of flights were delayed on the worst-affected day, Friday. Minor delays to a number of flights were reported yesterday.

The authority has restricted the capacity of the airport's air traffic control system to 70 per cent of normal capacity to facilitate the phased introduction of a new system.

It says the delays are "regrettable but necessary" because of the need to introduce the €115 million system "in a safe, planned and phased basis".

The new system at Dublin Airport went live for the first time on April 22nd last. Two weeks ago, it failed while handling "live" traffic. It failed to identify aircraft on air traffic controllers' radar screens

The IAA says delays should ease from next Tuesday, when it is planned to increase the system to 80 per cent capacity. Full capacity operation is scheduled to take place later in June.

Over 350,000 passengers will pass through Dublin Airport over the weekend, a 7 per cent increase on 2003 figures, according to Aer Rianta. A further 90,000 will travel through Cork and Shannon airports.

More than 2,500 flights will arrive and depart over the course of the holiday weekend, including 350 holiday charter flights carrying thousands of holidaymakers to sun destinations served by Dublin Airport.

The Irish Tour Operators Federation has also warned passengers heading for Dublin Airport to expect delays.

Mr Niall McDonnell, president of the federation, said: "All airlines and tour operators have been advised of the restriction and are working together to ensure that there is minimum disruption for passengers. Despite the possibility of delays, we are advising all passengers to still check in at the allocated time".

Aer Rianta has also advised passengers to arrive in time for their flights to comply with check-in and enhanced security procedures. Passengers are also advised not to carry any sharp objects in their hand luggage.

Meanwhile, more than 40,000 women are expected to take part in the 22nd Flora Women's Mini-Marathon in Dublin on Bank Holiday Monday.

Traffic restrictions will be in force throughout the course, which covers a 10 km routes from the city centre out to Ballsbridge, the Stillorgan Road and back again.

More than €6 million is expected to be raised for charity as a result of the runners' fundraising efforts.

On the roads, this weekend is expected to be the busiest of the year so far.

The AA is predicting long delays on the main commuter routes across the country, especially the N1 at Drogheda and Dundalk, the N4 at Enfield and Mullingar and the N6 at Kinnegad and Moate.

The organisation yesterday urged motorists to "slow down and arrive alive" this weekend.