A transatlantic jet has made an emergency landing at Shannon Airport after the crew reported a possible fire on board.
American Airlines flight AA-104 was travelling from New York to London this morning, when the crew declared a May-Day emergency.
The alarm was raised at around half past seven this morning, after crew on board American Airlines flight AA-104, advised air traffic controllers that they had a “fire indication” in one of the cargo holds, but that it was probably a false alarm.
Authorities at Shannon implemented emergency procedures – units from the Shannon and Ennis Fire Services, ambulance and Gardaí were dispatched to the scene.
The Irish Coast Guard was also informed and lifeboats based at Fenit, Kilrush and the Aran Islands were placed on standby as a precaution.
The flight landed safely just before 9 o’clock this morning, after which it was surrounded by emergency services vehicles.
Thermal imaging equipment was used to determine whether there was any indication of heat or fire, before the plane was taxied to the terminal for a further inspection.
There was 261 passengers and crew on board the Boeing 777-200.
The flight has since resumed its journey.
In a statement to Clare FM, an airline spokeswoman has said “American Airlines flight 104 from New York (JFK) to London (LHR), diverted to Shannon (SNN) after an indicator light in the cockpit indicated a possible mechanical issue”.
“The flight landed safely in Shannon, and taxied to the gate. Our maintenance crew evaluated the aircraft and the flight has since continued to Heathrow. We never want to disrupt our customers’ travel plans, and we are sorry for the inconvenience this caused” she concluded.
