A flight from Europe to the United States diverted to Shannon Airport this afternoon after the crew reported an issue with one of the jet’s engines.
United Airlines flight UA-509 was en route from Fiumicino Airport in Rome, Italy to Newark, New Jersey at the time. There were 227 passengers and crew on board.
The flight was about 400 kilometres south of Ireland when the crew alerted air traffic controllers to their issue.
The crew reported a vibration in the right engine and confirmed that the engine was still running but at idle. The crew also advised controllers that there was a smell in the cabin.
Authorities at Shannon Airport were advised of the unscheduled arrival while the airport’s own fire and rescue service was also alerted. The flight crew had requested that fire crews be available to meet the aircraft on arrival.
The flight landed safely at 3.57pm and was pursued along the runway by airport fire and rescue vehicles. The aircraft was able to vacate the runway under its own power and stopped briefly on a taxiway so that fire crews could carry out a visual inspection of the engine.
Shortly afterwards, the crew taxied their jet to the terminal building accompanied by fire service vehicles.
A comment is awaited from United Airlines however the company’s website stated that the aircraft diverted for “aircraft maintenance inspection.”
It’s also not yet clear whether the aircraft will continue its journey today.
