Dublin Airport is preparing for one of the busiest weekends of the summer. More than 527,000 passengers are expected to pass through its two terminals between Friday 31 July and Monday 3 August 2026. The high passenger numbers coincide with Ireland’s public holiday weekend and the start of several major festivals.
Despite the expected crowds, security checks should be simpler than in the past. Thanks to new scanners installed in both terminals, travellers can now keep their electronic devices and liquids in their hand luggage. Containers of up to two litres are also permitted when departing from Dublin.
More than 527,000 travellers expected at Dublin Airport
Sunday 2 August will be the busiest day
The August public holiday weekend is traditionally one of the busiest periods of the year in Ireland. In 2026, Dublin Airport expects more than half a million people to pass through in just four days.
- Friday 31 July: around 134,000 passengers;
- Saturday 1st August: around 129,000 passengers;
- Sunday 2 August: around 136,000 passengers;
- Monday 3 August: around 128,000 passengers.
With around 136,000 arrivals and departures, Sunday is expected to be the busiest day. This high passenger volume is due to holiday departures, as well as the arrival of many visitors attending events held across Ireland.
The Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann begins in Belfast on 2 August, while several festivals and events are taking place elsewhere in the country over the public holiday weekend.
How early should you arrive before your flight?
Two hours for a European flight and three hours for a long-haul flight
Dublin Airport management advises travellers to arrive:
- two hours before departure for a short- or medium-haul flight;
- three hours before departure for a long-haul flight.
These timings should be adjusted in line with the airline’s guidance. Travellers checking in luggage should in particular check the opening and closing times for the check-in desk or bag-drop facility.
There is not necessarily any benefit in arriving much earlier. Some check-in desks may be closed several hours before the flight. Families, groups and passengers requiring assistance, however, should allow extra time.
The airport states that more than 95% of passengers usually pass through security in under 20 minutes, including during busy periods. This time may nevertheless vary depending on the time of day and the terminal.
Liquids of up to two litres are now permitted
The 100 ml container limit has been removed in Dublin
This is the most significant change for travellers: the 100 ml limit no longer applies at security checkpoints at Dublin Airport.
Passengers can now carry liquids and gels in containers with a maximum capacity of two litres. A full bottle of water can therefore be placed in hand luggage and taken directly through security.
There is no specific limit on the number of containers, provided the airline’s permitted baggage size and weight limits are respected.
Liquids no longer need to be placed together in a transparent plastic bag. They can remain inside hand luggage as it passes through the scanner.
Electronic devices can also remain in your bag
Laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras and other electronic equipment no longer need to be removed from hand luggage at security.
This simplification is made possible by next-generation scanners installed in Terminals 1 and 2. These devices produce a detailed three-dimensional image of the contents of bags.
Passengers must, however, continue to empty their pockets and place their keys, phone, wallet and other personal items in the trays.
Be aware of the rules for your return flight
The two-litre rule does not apply at every airport
The new guidance applies to travellers passing through security at Dublin Airport. It does not automatically apply at the airport used to return to Ireland or travel home to France.
Many European airports still apply the standard rule requiring 100 ml containers to be placed in a transparent bag. A product permitted when departing from Dublin may therefore be refused on the return journey.
Before packing hand luggage, it is essential to check the rules published by every airport you will be using, particularly if a connection requires you to pass through security again.
Which items must still be removed at security?
Outerwear and pocket contents are still affected
Upgraded scanners do not remove all formalities. Passengers must still remove:
- jackets, coats, thick sweatshirts and bulky cardigans;
- shoes that extend above the ankle when requested by staff;
- belts that may trigger the detectors;
- keys, phones, wallets and other items kept in pockets.
Sharp objects with blades longer than six centimetres remain prohibited in hand luggage. Airline rules on the dimensions, weight and number of cabin bags also continue to apply.
How can you save time at Dublin Airport?
A few checks before leaving your accommodation
Before heading to the airport, check your departure terminal and flight status with your airline. Aer Lingus mainly uses Terminal 2, while Ryanair generally operates from Terminal 1, although exceptions are possible.
Checking in online and downloading your boarding pass can also save time. The document should remain accessible without an internet connection, ideally in the airline’s app or in your phone’s digital wallet.
Travellers arriving by car should book parking in advance. During major holiday weekends, the car parks closest to the terminals may be full or particularly expensive.
If travelling by public transport, allow extra time for possible delays. Dublin Airport is served by several coach services from Dublin city centre, as well as routes connecting it with other Irish cities.
Frequently asked questions about security at Dublin Airport
Can you take a full bottle of water through security?
Yes. A bottle of water with a capacity of no more than two litres can pass through security at Dublin Airport.
Can perfume exceed 100 ml?
Yes. Perfume, cosmetics and other liquids can be carried in containers of up to two litres, subject to customs rules and restrictions imposed by the airline.
Do you still need to use a transparent plastic bag?
No. Liquids and gels no longer need to be placed together in a transparent bag when departing from Dublin.
Do you need to take out your laptop?
No. Laptops, tablets and other electronic devices can remain in hand luggage while passing through the scanner.
Do these rules apply in both Terminals 1 and 2?
Yes. The new equipment is in use in both terminals at Dublin Airport.
Do the same rules apply on the return journey?
Not necessarily. Each airport applies its own guidance. You should check the restrictions in force at the departure airport for your return flight and at any connecting airports.
Updated guidance is available on the official page covering hand luggage and security at Dublin Airport.
