Dublin's largest operator cannot operate on runways cleared to 30m, they need 45m.
Even though there was no snow yesterday morning the chaos was partially down to the knock on effect of the previous runway closures but also partially down to the combined incompetency of the DAA and the airlines.
Aircraft from cancelled flights were left sitting for hours on stands that then became unavailable for operational flights. Aircraft were left sitting on taxiways for up to an hour after landing waiting for the now limited number of stands. The DAA needed to clear remote parking for these aircraft but the airlines and handling agents made a mess of towing these aircraft out of the way.
All of the airlines seemed to be reacting by the minute instead of working off plans. As soon as flights go off schedule it all falls apart. Why does it seem to be so hard to co-ordinate, fueling, boarding, doors closed, steps/jetway removed, de-icing, push-back etc? We had aircraft everywhere at various stages of readiness but none completely ready and it dragged on and on. This of course blocked the remaining available stands.
A lot of the blame must go to the DAA but the airlines and handling agencies must take their share.
For balance it must be mentioned that all of the crews, terminal staff and in particular the ramp staff played a blinder considering the pressure and freezing conditions.