Shannon Airport closed after Aer Arann plane gets into difficulty

Shannon Airport has been closed until 4pm today, after an Aer Arann plane got into difficulty while landing on the runway this morning.

Eyewitnesses say the plane made two attempts to land before landing heavily on the runway.

At around 10.20am, the Aer Lingus regional Aer Arann flight from Manchester got into difficulty while trying to land at Shannon Airport. It is believed there was a problem with the aircraft's nose wheel.

It is understood all 21 passengers and four crew on board were not injured.

Five engines from the local fire service were dispatched to the scene.

The runway at the airport is currently closed while an investigation is carried out by the Air Accident Investigation Unit.

All flights from Shannon airport will be diverted to Cork and Dublin airports until further notice.

Passengers are advised to contact their airline for further flight information.