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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
David Kent

Dublin Airport try to stop queue chaos by pausing sales of 'Fast Track' passes

Dublin Airport has attempted to stop some of the long queues that are building at security by pausing the sale of 'Fast Track' passes.

The slips normally allow those who are travelling to get through the security gates quicker, as well as other perks like a free tea or coffee and text updates on your flight.

However, after chaos at the airport in recent days which has seen passengers left waiting for more than three hours in some queues, the airport has intervened.

Read more: Spain travel: The big Covid rule change that will make life easier for Irish tourists

In a statement posted on Twitter this morning, they said: “Dublin Airport has paused the sale of new Fast Track passes for the time being. All existing bookings remain valid and will be honoured. This move is one of a number of measures being taken to improve the security screening process for all passengers.

"Additionally, Dublin Airport can confirm that, given the difficulties faced by passengers last weekend, all Fast Track bookings from March 25-27 are being refunded."

The statement comes after a hectic weekend saw passengers miss flights over the queues at security gates in both terminals.

The issue seems to have come to a head from a number of problems.

Dublin Airport queues (Collins Dublin)

The DAA say that almost 1,000 staff left the airport under a voluntary severance scheme during the pandemic.

As a result, they've had to hire new faces to deal with the return of international travel this year.

However, the recruitment, training and background security checks needed to hire these people has delayed the rehiring process.

The DAA have warned this could take up to a number of weeks.

It said: "This is having an impact on the length of time it is taking passengers to get through security, particularly at busy times.

"We apologise in advance, but queues for security are likely to be experienced at peak hours over the days and weeks ahead as we continue to bring trained staff on board."

READ MORE : Travel expert tells RTE's Claire Byrne the 'rush hour' times to avoid at Dublin Airport after 'chaotic' scenes

READ MORE:Irish tourists could be fined up to €60,000 if caught breaking these basic laws

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