Extra flights at Dublin airport to help clear backlog

TRAVEL:EXTRA FLIGHTS to Britain, the Continent and North America will be put in place from Dublin airport today, as airlines attempt to clear a backlog of tens of thousands of passengers whose travel plans have been affected by the cold weather.

Occasional falls of snow are expected near the east coast but Met Éireann said the day would be generally dry and bright, leading to hopes that as many as 65,000 people on upwards of 200 flights would be able to use Dublin airport.

Aer Lingus and Ryanair are both laying on extra planes to assist travellers, many of whom have now spent several days attempting to get to their destinations in advance of Christmas.

Aer Lingus said it was using wide-bodied planes on some European routes to increase capacity. The airline laid on about 17 extra flights yesterday and expects to organise a round trip to the east coast of the US today.

Ryanair has in excess of 14 extra flights listed for today between Dublin and European destinations.

However, flight schedules are expected to continue to be affected by weather-related delays elsewhere in Europe. Dublin airport reopened shortly after 7am yesterday and all airports on the island were operational throughout the day, with the exception of Belfast International, which closed briefly in the morning.

The Dublin Airport Authority said it cleared about 90,000 tonnes of snow from runways and aprons and with temperatures expected to fall to at least minus 6 degrees tonight, further delays due to de-icing can be expected.

Across the country Civil Defence units in 26 local authority areas have been called in to assist emergency services in the areas worst affected by the freezing temperatures and snowfalls. In Dublin and Cork the Army is assisting in transporting medical staff and patients to a range of facilities including Beaumont Hospital, Our Lady’s Hospice in Harold’s Cross and St Francis Hospice in Raheny.

On the roads freezing fog, frost and icy conditions are expected to be made more hazardous by sleet and snow showers, particularly on the east coast. Local authorities across the country said they were battling to keep main roads open but motorists have been warned to make journeys only if strictly necessary, and transfer to public transport where possible.

Bus Éireann said most of its services were operating, many with delays. A number of routes were curtailing services early in the evening. Routes on the east coast appeared most affected and Nightrider services from Dublin to Drogheda, Meath and Kildare were cancelled last night.

Luas said services will finish at 8pm on Christmas Eve and will resume at 9am on St Stephen’s Day, running on both lines until 11.30pm.

Iarnród Éireann expects today to be its busiest of the holiday season. All services including Dart and suburban rail are expected to run, but spokesman Barry Kenny warned some delays were likely.

The company said most remaining capacity was for services on Christmas Eve.