Shannon Airport has reopened after a plane carrying US Military personnel caught fire on the runway this morning.
All personnel and crew were evacuated from the Omni Air Boeing 767-300 aircraft and the airline said initial reports suggest no-one was injured.
It said the plane “rejected take-off” as it was attempting to depart the airport.
The plane stopped on the runway after air traffic controllers noticed smoke coming from its rear landing gear.
It was evacuated after flames were seen coming from the wheels.
There were 145 passengers and 14 crew on board and the airline says they have all been "safely accommodated" in Shannon.
"Our focus today remains the safety of our employees and the important customers we are entrusted to transport," it said.
⚠️SHANNON AIRPORT NOW OPEN⚠️
The airport is now open.
Flight delays are expected throughout the day.
Passengers are advised to contact their airlines for flight updates.
We would like to thank you for your patience #shannonairport pic.twitter.com/DjQzoh6HJp— Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) August 15, 2019
It had to remain in place while the wheels were replaced and was eventually moved just before 11am this morning.
Fire retardant that was sprayed on the runway has also now been cleared and the airport is open.
The airport said flights delays are expected throughout the day and passengers are advised to contact their airlines for flight updates.
It said the airport was able to reopen "thanks to the swift response of the Shannon Airport emergency services team."
Omni Air said its is participating in an investigation into the incident and "will release further information as it becomes available."
We are investigating reports of an incident involving Omni Air International flight 531 at Shannon Airport, Ireland. The Omni Boeing 767-300 aircraft rejected takeoff and was safely evacuated. Initial reports indicate no serious injuries to passengers or crew.
— OmniAirInternational (@OmniAir) August 15, 2019
Earlier, the airport said it was working to remove the plane from scene so that safe operations can resume on the runway - but warned it “may take some time.”
Anyone planning to travel to airport is advised to check with their airline before doing so.
