A passenger jet travelling from the United States to England diverted to Shannon Airport this morning after the crew declared an emergency over the Atlantic reporting an issue with one of the aircraft’s engines.
United Airlines flight UA-938 was travelling from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Heathrow Airport near London at the time. There were 173 passengers and crew on board.
The crew of the Boeing 767-322(ER) jet issued a Mayday radio emergency call and advised air traffic controllers of their situation. The crew confirmed they had an issue with the left side engine which required the crew to shut it down.
Authorities at Shannon Airport were notified of the situation while emergency services were also alerted.
Units of Clare County Fire and Rescue Service were mobilised to the airport from Shannon town while crews from Ennis station were requested to take up a position at a dedicated holding point adjacent to the M18 motorway at Dromoland.
The HSE, National Ambulance Service and An Garda Síochána were also informed and mobilised resources to the airport.
The flight landed safely at 11.18am and was pursued along the runway by airport and local authority fire crews. Emergency vehicles also accompanied the aircraft to the terminal building.
A comment is awaited from the airline although it’s understood that a replacement aircraft will be sent from London later today to take the passengers onto Heathrow.
