Dublin Airport Evacuated Amid Cyberattack Concerns and Suspicious Luggage Alert
Dublin: Panic erupted at Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2 on Thursday after a suspicious luggage alert coincided with ongoing cyberattacks targeting airports, including London’s Heathrow. Operations were temporarily disrupted as passengers were evacuated for safety checks.
The incident began when a message regarding suspicious baggage spread quickly among travellers. Within minutes, hundreds of passengers queuing for flights were ushered outside. Witnesses said the announcement sparked confusion, with thousands rushing toward the exits. At the time, more than 12,000 people were inside the terminal or attempting to enter.
Evacuated passengers gathered in an open area near the terminal. While the weather was unsettled, the absence of heavy rain was a relief. Many placed their bags on grassy patches and waited anxiously, some watching live news coverage on their phones or calling airline helplines to check the status of their flights. Several travellers, particularly those with connecting flights, grew distressed at the prospect of missed journeys.
After more than an hour, Gardaí and airport authorities confirmed the area was safe. The Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team and bomb squad examined the suspect luggage and declared it harmless. Passengers were then allowed to re-enter the terminal, and operations gradually returned to normal.
During the evacuation, traffic to and from the airport was restricted, and some flights experienced temporary delays. Normal schedules resumed later in the evening. Terminal 2 handles services from Aer Lingus, American Airlines, Delta, Emirates, and United Airlines, all of which experienced minor disruptions during the incident.
Authorities have emphasised that while no threat was ultimately found, precautionary measures were necessary given the heightened risk environment following cyberattacks on major European airports.
Irish Samachar English News
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