ITAA Statement on Delays in European Airports

The Irish Travel Agents Association (ITAA) today commented on the increased delays in European Airports due to new security checks introduced in the wake of terror attacks.

Cormac Meehan, President of the ITAA, said: “New, stricter passport checks are resulting in longer queues at some European airports which are already extremely busy in this peak holiday season. Our members will do their best to ensure that customers get to the airport in plenty of time. However, we advise all travellers to check with their airlines and ensure they factor these longer queuing times into their travel plans when flying in and out of airports.”

He continued, “The passport queues through Dublin Airport are an example of the growth in the Irish travel sector – the airport saw a record 27.9 million passengers pass through last year, up 11% on 2015. Passenger numbers reached 2.9 million in June, a 6% increase on the same month last year, making it the busiest June in the airport’s 77 year history.”

Meehan concluded, “The ITAA has called for a meeting with the Department of Justice and Equality to get the issue of understaffing at Dublin Airport and other regional and national airports on to the national agenda, given the importance of the sector to the national economy.”

The ITAA represents Ireland’s travel Industry, bringing together 100 travel agent members and 70 affiliate partners. ITAA members cover over 140 outlets in different towns and cities throughout the Republic of Ireland. All travel agent members are licensed by the Commission for Aviation Regulation and are fully bonded providing full financial protection for their customers.