Shannon Airport ‘suspends operations’ after ‘van drives by means of onto taxiway’

A major international airport was forced to suspend operations after reports of a vehicle managed to gain access to an unauthorised area.

The vehicle, which is understood to be a van, reportedly made its way onto the airfield side of Shannon Airport in Ireland this morning (November 22).

According to The Journal, it is believed the van even made its way to the taxiway where a military US C40 aircraft was parked.

The gardaí, Airport Police and armed members of the Defence Forces stepped in on the taxiway to intercept the van.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the incident has caused any damage to any aircraft.

The Journal reported that engineers were seen around a plane following the disturbance.

Three people have now been arrested following the incident, which caused disruption to Shannon Airport for around 30 minutes, according to a spokesperson for the airport.

The three people, two men and one woman, who were arrested are all aged in their 20s. Airport Police and The gardaí investigated the scene with the van then being removed for technical examination.

The gardaí reportedly had to use force to gain access to the vehicle and remove the suspects, The Journal reports.

There is also claims of Mesh wiring being visible through the windows of the front of the van.

A spokesperson for The Shannon Airport Group confirmed: “Operations at Shannon Airport resumed at 10:02 am this morning following a temporary suspension of just under 30 minutes, while it addressed a security matter.

“The safety of passengers and staff remains our top priority.”

For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.