Transatlantic flight diverted to Shannon after ‘smell of smoke’ on board

The British Airways flight resumed its journey to Chicago in the early hours of this morning.

Updated at 11:05am

A BRITISH AIRWAYS flight had to land at Shannon Airport last night after a smell of smoke was detected on board.

BA flight 297 from London to Chicago was forced to land at Shannon Airport an hour after take off after an acrid smell was detected in the cabin.

The aircraft landed at Shannon at around 8.15pm with local fire brigade units on the scene.

“We apologise to customers on the BA297 flight which diverted as a precaution. Safety and security is always paramount and British Airways and we will always err on the side of caution,” BA said in a statement.

A spokesperson for the airport told TheJournal.ie today that “the normal emergency procedures were implemented and the relevant personnel were advised and on standby” ahead of the plane’s arrival.

The emergency was stood down at 8.40pm.

Passengers remained at Shannon Airport as a replacement aircraft was flown over from the UK and the flight resumed its onward journey at around 2.15am.

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