Dublin: A Lithuanian man has been sentenced to one year in prison for causing extensive damage at Dublin Airport after missing his flight due to his late arrival. Lukas Kauniatis, 29, caused more than €9,400 worth of damage in Terminal 1 during the incident on March 17, 2025.
Judge Martin Nolan noted that Kauniatis had no one but himself to blame for missing his flight, yet proceeded to cause significant disruption and destruction. The court heard that Kauniatis, who had travelled from Belfast where he was working on a six-week construction job, had arrived at Dublin Airport early in the morning to return home for a holiday. When he reached the Ryanair gate at 7 a.m., the gate had already closed and the flight had departed.
In a violent outburst, Kauniatis damaged equipment at the boarding gate, lifted a computer and threw it to the ground as airport staff attempted to intervene. Gardaí told the court that the incident unfolded in the presence of around 20 members of the public, including women and children.
During the rampage, Kauniatis smashed glasses on barrel tables at a nearby bar, threw a metal barrier post to the floor, and destroyed several computers and luggage-measuring devices. One of the barrels was rolled along the walkway, while another was lifted and held in the air, causing panic among bystanders who fled the area.
Kauniatis eventually calmed down, and Gardaí arrested him shortly afterwards. He cooperated fully with the officers. CCTV footage of the incident was shown in court.
The court also heard that Kauniatis has been in custody since the day of the incident and has no previous criminal record. His lawyer said he was deeply ashamed of his behaviour and intended to return to Lithuania upon release.
Irish Samachar English News
Kindly click to join WhatsApp group chat to get important news and breaking news from Irish Samachar