In a statement, the airport said delays were likely to continue to be experienced at peak hours over the coming weeks as it looks to hire additional security staff.

"We are sorry for the stress and inconvenience caused, particularly to those who missed a flight as a result," a spokesperson said. "We deeply regret that our valued customers had this experience." 

Passengers travelling through Dublin in the coming days and weeks have been advised to arrive a minimum of two hours before boarding a short-haul flight and three hours before a long-haul flight.

The airport said it was taking "immediate action" to address the issues, as it continues to work to build back its operation after the collapse of international travel.

This includes the recruitment, training and mandatory background checks required for all staff working at an airport, which can take several weeks, and are happening against a backdrop of growing passenger numbers at the airport.

It said these factors, as well as Covid-19 related absences, have had an impact on the length of time it is taking passengers to get through security. 

"In the meantime, we are doing all that we can to ensure that out security operations are functioning at the maximum level possible at all times," the airport added. 

"Again, we apologise to passengers for the current issues and express appreciation for their understanding as we seek to correct them."