A major European airport has issued a warning to anyone flying out as the Easter holidays and the knockout stages of a major sporting tournament coincide. Cork Airport in the Republic of Ireland put out a message to fliers amid a busy period, with knockout stages of rugby's European Champions Cup only hours away and people flying around Europe to enjoy the sun while schools are out.

A spokesperson for the travel hub, which is the second country's second biggest airport, wrote on Facebook: "This weekend is shaping up to be a very busy one as schools break for the Easter holidays and Munster Rugby fans jet off to France for the Champions Cup quarter-final! We like to ensure that all our passengers have a smooth and hassle-free experience, so here are a few important tips for anyone flying over the coming days!"

First, it advised arriving at the airport "at least 90 minutes before your flight is due to depart".

It also urged fliers to prebook their car parking and secure your their space on its website.

Cork Airport also reminded customers that they can save time by preparing for airport security, pointing them to further information, also on CorkAirport.com.

On the website, the airport explains that preparing correctly and ensuring that all items in your hand luggage meet security requirements can mean you have a "smoother journey".

"Passengers are advised to prepare their hand luggage before they travel to the airport and pay careful attention to packing and preparing liquids, gels and pastes," it explains.

They added: "The 100ml liquids, gels and pastes rule still applies at Cork Airport."

People flying from the airport should prepare "liquids gels and pastes under 100ml in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag with a total content maximum of 1 litre (approximately 20cm x 20cm)" which will need to be presented separately at Passenger Screening.

Customers travelling with babies and young children "are permitted to bring as much baby formula, milk and snacks as is required for the duration of the flight", it continues, asking passengers to request a special tray to put the liquids in from their security team members, as these items will be "subjected to additional screening as well as going through the x-ray machine".

"Passengers should follow the guidance and instructions of the Airport Search Unit personnel who are there to help passengers and ensure a smooth and pleasant journey," it adds.

You can find a breakdown of what can be carried in hand luggage here.