The runway has reopened after Shannon airport temporarily closed it off. 

The runway at Shannon airport temporarily closed on Monday after a light aircraft experienced difficulties in landing. Airport and fire crews responded quickly to clear the runway but two flights were forced to divert to Cork airport. 

The runway closed for two hours between 4.30 pm and 6.30 pm (GMT) as the area was cleared. It is believed only one person was on board the aircraft and they were able to evacuate safely without injury. 

AIRCRAFT INCIDENT: Shannon Airport

Photos from Shannon showing Airport Fire and Police Crews attending the earlier incident involving an aircraft with its nose wheel down

Photo © Neil Mills pic.twitter.com/ZWSnfmkFfF

— Fire-Ireland.com (@FireIreland) December 2, 2019

“Shannon Airport has confirmed the temporary closure of the airport runway due to a technical issue with a light aircraft,” said a Shannon Airport spokesperson. 

“The following flights have been diverted to Cork; Aer Lingus  EI 385 from London Heathrow due to land at Shannon at 16.50 and Ryanair FR1173 Wroclaw due at land at Shannon at 17.25.”

Shannon Airport has confirmed that a light aircraft which experienced difficulty on landing has been successfully removed from the airport runway. Following a clean-up of the area the airport expects to reopen the runway at 18.30. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/yLJuMB7iJm

— Shannon Airport (@ShannonAirport) December 2, 2019

Passengers are asked to contact their airline for flight updates if traveling through Shannon airport.