SHANNON Airport played a pivotal role in a successful world record attempt when an Italian aviator had to divert and refuel there last weekend after a volcanic eruption prevented him from making a scheduled stop in Iceland.

More than 300 Aer Lingus passengers were flying back to Ireland this morning.

A bomb threat against a Virgin Airlines jumbo jet with 314 people aboard caused four Canadian jet fighters to escort the flight to an unscheduled landing yesterday in Newfoundland.