Flights at Irish airport suspended after plane catches fire before take-off

Flights at an Irish airport have been suspended after a plane used to carry US military personnel caught fire before take-off.

Air traffic controllers spotted smoke and flames coming from the Boeing 763 aircraft as it taxied along the runway at Shannon Airport.

The plane involved was an Omni Air International 531 which is used to transport personnel for the US military.

Airport emergency services are at the scene after extinguishing an external fire on the undercarriage.

All passengers and crew were evacuated safely from the plane and returned to the terminal building.

There were no reports of serious injuries.

Airport staff are working to remove the aircraft from the site of the incident, which they said could take “some time”.

The airport said in a tweet that passengers should check with their airline before travelling.

In a statement to PA, a spokesman for the airport said: “Shannon Group has confirmed that airport operations at Shannon Airport have been temporarily suspended this morning due to an incident involving a Boeing 763 aircraft, Omni Air International 531, on the runway.

“The airport operations team are currently working with the operator to remove the aircraft from the runway.

“Intending passengers are asked to contact their airline. Further updates will be available on the airport twitter page.”

“We can confirm that an incident has occurred at Shannon Airport involving a Boeing 763 aircraft.

“Emergency services are in attendance. All passengers and crew have disembarked.

“Airport operations temporarily suspended.

“We are currently working to remove the aircraft from the scene of the incident so we can resume safe operations on the runway.

“This may take some time. We are advising passengers to continue with check-in.”

Two Aer Lingus flights to Heathrow have been cancelled and passengers have been advised to contact the airline for further information.