A man who caused more than €9,400 worth of damage at Dublin Airport after missing his flight has been jailed for one year. Lukas Kaunietis, 29, pleaded guilty to multiple counts of criminal damage and to using threatening and abusive behaviour at Terminal One on 17 March 2025.
The court heard that Kaunietis arrived at a Ryanair gate intending to fly to Lithuania but became enraged when he found the gate closed. He opened computers, rifled through property and, when approached by staff, smashed a computer on the ground. He then went on to break glasses, damage luggage-measuring equipment, and throw metal barriers, causing nearby passengers, including children, to flee the area.
Airport staff eventually calmed him, and he cooperated with gardaí when arrested. CCTV footage showed extensive damage totalling €9,452. Kaunietis, who has no previous convictions, has been in custody since the incident and expressed shame for his actions. His defence said he intends to return to Lithuania after his release.
Judge Martin Nolan said Kaunietis had “lost the run of himself” after missing his flight and caused serious disruption and damage. He imposed a one-year sentence, backdated to 17 March.