Dublin Airport is reopening a terminal after thousands were evacuated due to suspicious luggage on Saturday afternoon.
A bomb disposal squad was called by Ireland’s national police after a report of “airline luggage of concern” at Dublin Airport, prompting the evacuation of Terminal 2.
After examination by the bomb disposal team, the luggage was declared safe and normal operations resumed at the airport.
Police told The Independent that earlier reports in Irish media that one person had been arrested with suspected detonators in his bag were incorrect, clarifying that no arrests had been made.
It comes as dozens of flights have been delayed and cancelled at European airports after a cyber attack targeting a service provider for check-in and boarding systems, including from Dublin Airport.
Police said they responded to a report of “an item of airline luggage of concern at Dublin Airport”.
They added: “Following a preliminary examination on scene, the piece of luggage was contained and deemed safe for removal from T2 to an alternate location which would not impact on airport operations.
“Dublin Airport, and associated access routes reopened for normal operations.” Police are continuing their enquiries into the incident.
Dublin Airport said it was also experiencing minor impacts related to a Europe-wide software issue.
During a chaotic morning at the airport, a cyber attack has rendered automated systems inoperable, allowing only manual check-in and boarding procedures.
Click here to follow the latest on the cyber attack causing flight chaos across Europe.
London Heathrow and Berlin Airport also said the attack was disrupting their flights, with passengers advised to confirm their travel with airlines before heading to the airport on Saturday.
Heathrow said that Collins Aerospace, which provides check-in and boarding systems for multiple airlines globally, is “experiencing a technical issue which may cause delays for departing passengers”.
A Dublin Airport spokesperson said earlier: “Earlier, Terminal 2 was evacuated as a precaution. The safety and security of passengers and staff remain our top priority.
“Some temporary disruption to flight schedules may occur, so passengers are advised to check with their airline for the latest updates. We appreciate our passengers patience and cooperation.
“Separately, an unrelated software issue has affected airline check-in and boarding systems at some European airports today. This has had a minor impact at Cork and Dublin airports, where some airlines have implemented manual processes.
“An Garda Síochána has advised that traffic remains heavy on routes approaching Dublin Airport.”
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