In the recent case of Owen Nolan (Best Friend of Ailbhe, Hugh and Max Nolan) v Dublin Airport Authority 13th of February 2026 the Circuit Court approved a Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) award arising from an incident at Dublin Airport in which a father and his three young children (aged nine, five, and two) were trapped in a toilet while boarding for a flight to Spain.
Despite activating the emergency cord, the family remained confined for approximately 50 minutes after two unsuccessful attempts by maintenance staff to open the door. The children became increasingly distressed while their mother, outside the facility, attempted to console them and prevent missing the flight. Firefighters ultimately forced entry.
The court acknowledged the significant distress caused to the children. The malfunction occurred when the internal door handle detached during their attempt to exit. Although the family made their flight, their holiday was adversely affected.
The PIAB assessed damages at €21,000 (€7,000 per child), which the court approved as appropriate.
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