Russia’s transport ministry today announced increased radiation checks on international flights and at international airports across the country, as investigators searched a British Airways jet grounded in Moscow for traces of radiation.

An overseas flight from London’s Heathrow Airport to Washington, D.C. was diverted to Boston today after the pilot declared an emergency because of a passenger disturbance, the airline said.

Unions representing the 350 workers laid off at the NEC Semiconductors plant in Co Meath tonight said all hopes of saving the jobs were gone.

Six US-bound flights from England, Scotland and France were cancelled yesterday because of security concerns.

The family of recovering rock star Ozzy Osbourne are hoping to reunite for Christmas, their agents said today.

A former Formula 1 racing driver arrested when he tried to take a knife stuffed into his sock onto a transatlantic flight today said the incident was an ‘‘embarrassing mistake’’.