The first batch of personal protective equipment (PPE) has been unloaded, after landing at Dublin Airport from China on Sunday.

The Aer Lingus flight carried almost €30m of equipment for healthcare workers.

The round trip to Beijing arrived back with masks, gowns and gloves among the items on board.

It was the first of a number of flights delivering over €200m worth of PPE to the country.

Image via @defenceforces on Twitter

Air Traffic Control welcomed home flight EI-9019 with a special message.

Dublin Airport said: "EI9019 Failte abhaile. Dublin ATC are proud to be guiding you home safely today.

"On behalf of the IAA and the entire nation I would like to express our appreciation for all you are doing during this time of need.

"We have the red carpet rolled out on runway 28 for you today so expect a straight in approach".

Image via @defenceforces on Twitter

Members of the Defence Forces assisted in the operation.

Chief of Staff Vice Admiral Mark Mellett said: "Every Goliath like COVID19 needs a David like the women & men [of] @HSELive supported by citizens staying home.

"[The] @defenceforces soldiers, sailors & aircrew support as tracers, testers, transporters & more.

With other frontline heroes we preserve our community & StrengthenTheNation".

Every Goliath like COVID_19 needs a David like the women & men @HSELive supported by citizens staying home. @defenceforces soldiers, sailors & aircrew support as tracers, testers, transporters & more. With other frontline heroes we preserve our community & #StrengthenTheNation pic.twitter.com/Sy9YsDBesu

— Mark Mellett (@mark_mellett) March 29, 2020