Passengers at Dublin airport had to join long queues and wait longer than usual to get through new stringent security checks at departure gates yesterday.
The long hold-ups at the security screening led to flight delays at peak times.
As the new measures took effect, the queues at times stretched far beyond the normal queuing areas in front of the two departure gates.
Passengers waited an average of 10 to 15 minutes in off-peak times, and much longer in the busy morning rush, where some people reported a wait of half an hour to an hour from the time they joined the queue until they reached the security entrance.
One passenger who went through security yesterday morning said he queued for 25 minutes.
Previously, passengers were only required to put hand baggage and outer coats and jackets on to the scanning belt. In addition, some jewellery and mobile phones were put into the tray.
Now, passengers must take off their shoes, whatever their type, and these are put through the scanning machine. Passengers are also now required to take off their belts and all jewellery.
The Dublin Airport Authority has advised that these delays are likely to continue until more security staff complete their training.
It is advising passengers to check in at least 90 minutes before their scheduled flight departure time.
Yesterday, flights on Aer Lingus and Ryanair were delayed in the peak time between 6am and 8am. An Aer Lingus spokeswoman said 17 of 20 Aer Lingus flights were delayed for 12 to 15 minutes.
She said there were also delays in the peak evening time, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.
From May 1st the airline will be changing its check-in times and advising passengers to give themselves plenty of time because of capacity problems and the new security delays, she said,
A Ryanair spokeswoman said 10 early morning flights were delayed by half an hour because of the increased security screening.
However, she said flights were back on schedule by mid-morning and continued as normal during the day.
Today the Dublin Airport Authority is carrying an advertisement in newspapers stating that in response to the recent audit, it had enhanced security procedures. It said these procedures may add to the average length of time passengers spent in the security screening areas.
"Dublin airport is currently training additional security staff to mitigate delays which may result from these enhanced security procedures," it said. "Dublin airport is concerned to achieve the most appropriate balance between providing the greatest possible assurance to passengers about their safety and security, and providing a comfortable journey through its facilities," it said.
"You can help us by ensuring you do not carry any items through passenger security that would require additional checks," it added.