Bomb threat prompts major security alert at Shannon

A major security operation is underway at Shannon Airport following claims of a bomb on board an Aer Lingus flight.

The claim, which relates to a flight from New York, was made in an emergency call to the 999 service.

The plane landed safely at Shannon just before 8am and gardaí are holding all 239 passengers in the terminal building while the aircraft is checked.

The plane has been parked away from the terminal while the search is on-going.

A garda spokesperson has said all the passengers will be held until the area has been declared safe.