Tens of thousands of people expected to pass through Dublin & Cork airports today.
Over 22,000 people are expected to pass through Dublin Airport today as non-essential international travel reopens.
Aer Lingus and Ryanair have both ramped up their schedules as the country begins accepting the EU Digital Covid Certificate.
It means those who are fully vaccinated, have recovered from a recent Covid-19 infection or test negative for coronavirus can travel again.
Dublin Airport Authority Spokesperson Siobhan Moore says they've been waiting a long time for this day:
As we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, new advice and rules for international travel, will come into effect in Ireland on 19 July ✈️ https://t.co/XQPHmtIeDc pic.twitter.com/ozODmaCrRT
— Government of Ireland (@GovIE) July 14, 2021
Aer Lingus says everything is running smoothly at Dublin Airport so far this morning
Chief Operating Officer with Aer Lingus, Peter O’Neill, has this advice for anyone heading abroad:
Morning. #WelcomeBack. pic.twitter.com/9iTXOtpPVo
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) July 19, 2021
Enda Corneille, country manager for Emirates, says it’s an exciting day.
This woman is among those heading abroad this morning from Dublin Airport.
Almost 2 million Digital Covid Certs have so far been issued, according to the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform.
It says 1.1 million have been sent to vaccinated people via e-mail.
While 870,000 hard copy certs have been printed and sent in the post.
Meanwhile, a helpline will open today to help with issues over the EU Digital Covid Certificate and to ask for a recovery cert.
The helpline number is 1800 851 504.

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