Almost 400 will spend the night in hotels in Clare and Limerick tonight after their flight diverted to Shannon earlier amid fears of a fire on board.
Delta flight DL-73, travelling from Amsterdam to Atlanta in the US, was overhead Co Leitrim when the crew issued a Mayday distress call and requested permission to descend and divert to Shannon.
The massive Boeing 747-400 series jet circled for a time to dump aviation fuel to ensure they landed within safe landing weight limits. The jet then commenced its approach landing safely at 2.48pm.
Units of the fire brigade from Shannon Town along with ambulances from Ennis and Limerick City were sent to Shannon to assist the airport’s own fire and rescue service.
Two additional units of the fire brigade from Ennis were sent to a predetermined holding point off the M18 at Dromoland in case they were required.
The RNLI lifeboat based at Kilrush was also placed on standby during the emergency.
After an external inspection was carried out on the runway, the jet was town to the terminal where fire crews wearing breathing apparatus entered the cargo hold to undertake a more thorough investigation.
No evidence of fire was found and emergency services were stood down shortly after 4.00pm.
The flight has been ground while arrangements are made to get passengers to their destination.
VIDEO: Delta flight DL-73 descending towards Shannon, as seen from Connolly.
The passengers will be accommodated in hotels in the Clare and Limerick areas overnight.
They are expected to resume their journey at lunchtime tomorrow.