Weapons landings soar

THE number of aircraft with weapons landing here has soared despite the decision by three US carriers to bypass Shannon airport.

Government permission for planes to fly in our airspace has also increased dramatically, with approvals rising from none in the five months to the end of January to 18 last month.

Department of Transport figures reveal that 52 aircraft were allowed land in February, an increase of 17 on the previous month. There is no breakdown by country but the majority, if not all, have been carrying US troops and their weapons to the Gulf.