800 grounded passengers sleep in Dublin Airport
Airlines were today trying to shift tens of thousands of travellers desperate to get home for Christmas after Dublin Airport reopened.
About 40,000 passengers were left stranded yesterday when heavy show showers grounded all flights for most of the day.
Siobhan Moore, spokeswoman for Dublin Airport, said about 800 people slept in the airport overnight to try and rebook on an early flight.
Despite the backlog, Ryanair and Aer Lingus said only passengers with confirmed reservations for travel today can be accommodated on flights.
Irish Ferries will instead operate an extra sailing from Dublin to Holyhead, at 2.30pm, and another back to Dublin at 5.15pm.
The vessel has capacity for 750 passengers and 200 cars.
Unexpected snow fell at Dublin Airport throughout yesterday, finally closing the airport at 6pm for the night.
Temperatures dropped to -10C as snow and ice crews worked overnight to clear over eight inches of snow from approximately 600 acres of airfield in time for the first wave of flight arrivals and departures.
“Approximately 120,000 tons of snow was cleared from the airfield overnight,” said Ms Moore.
“While no significant snowfalls are forecasted today our snow and ice crew are on standby should weather conditions deteriorate.
“Passengers intending to travel today are advised to contact their airline or airline’s website before setting out for the airport.”
All other Irish airports, ferry services, train and bus services are operating, some with delays.
Meanwhile AA Roadwatch warned road conditions were treacherous, especially around the capital and along commuter routes.
Met Éireann has also issued a severe weather warning, with widespread ice and lying snow persisting today where surfaces are untreated.
“Freezing fog will be slow to clear parts of the midlands especially and visibility will reduce below 100 metres at times,” it added.
Lowest temperatures will plummet to -15 tonight.
