A US bound Aer Lingus flight has returned to Dublin Airport this evening after a number of crew members fell ill.

Flight EI-139 left Dublin for Boston around 4.20 this afternoon with 280 passengers on board.

About 2 hours and 15 minutes into the 6 hour flight, the captain opted to turn around and return to Dublin.

An airline spokesman confirmed a decision was made to return to Dublin as a number of cabin crew members reported that they were feeling unwell.

The crew did not declare an emergency.

The aircraft landed safely at 8.40 this evening was met by medical personnel.

Passengers will be accommodated in hotels overnight and will be flown to Boston on Monday.

The airline has launched an investigation into the incident