Emergency services evacuate 150 as plane forced to land in Dublin Airport

A transatlantic flight from Britain has made an emergency landing in Dublin.

The United Airlines plane was flying from London’s Heathrow Airport to Dulles in Washington when an emergency was reported on board.

United Airways flight diverted into Dublin Airport on route from London Heathrow to Washington has landed safely.

— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) August 14, 2013

More than 150 passengers were on board the flight, which was diverted when crew reported the smell of smoke in the cabin.

The plane was met by emergency services on an isolated part of the runway away from the terminal building.

Witnesses said several appliances from Dublin Airport Fire and Rescue Service, dozens of firefighters and Dublin Airport Police surrounded the aircraft as passengers and crew disembarked.

All the emergency doors on the plane were also opened while investigations were carried out.

United Airlines said Flight UA131 from London Heathrow to Washington/Dulles – a Boeing 757-200 aircraft with 147 customers and a crew of nine on board – was diverted to Dublin Airport due to a mechanical issue.

“The aircraft landed safely at 2.29pm local time,” a spokesman said.

“Our maintenance team is currently inspecting the aircraft.”