A MAN HAS died on board an Aer Lingus plane from Lisbon to Dublin this evening.

It is understood the man who was in his mid 20s fell ill while the plane was in the air. The flight was diverted to Cork Airport as a result.

The man fell unconscious and died after the plane landed in Cork. It is understood he is a Portuguese national.

Another passenger is also believed to have sustained minor injuries while attempting to help the man.

Gardaí in Togher are investigating the circumstances of the incident. Passengers are being interviewed about what occurred on the plane and buses have been arranged to transport them to Dublin.

Aer Lingus confirmed that flight EI 485, while en route from Lisbon to Dublin this evening, was diverted into Cork due to a medical emergency on board. The airline said there were 168 passengers and six crew on board at the time and the plane landed safely in Cork at 5.40pm.