A transatlantic jet was forced to return to Shannon Airport this afternoon after a passenger fell ill.
United Airlines flight 24 had left Shannon at around 9.20pm and was over an hour into it’s journey when the crew turned around.
The pilot reported that a passenger on board had fallen ill and that they wished to return to Shannon.
The crew asked air traffic controllers to alert emergency medical services and have them standing by when the flight landed. Airport fire crews were also alerted and met the flight when it landed.
The Boeing 757 jet touched down safely shortly after midday and was met at the terminal by ambulance paramedics.
The flight has since been cancelled and passengers sent to hotels for the night.
An airline spokesman confirmed: “United Airlines flight UA-24 returned to Shannon due to a medical emergency involving one of our customers. For privacy reasons, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further.”
The spokesman confirmed that flight will resume it’s journey tomorrow at 10.00am.