The incident occurred around 9:45 a.m. when an unknown man was spotted in a strictly prohibited area of the airport. According to available information, the man climbed onto the wing of a C-130 Hercules military transport aircraft, which was parked on a remote taxiway.
It is reported that the attacker damaged the fuselage and wing of the aircraft with an axe, and one source claims the damage is significant.
Security forces had to use mobile stairs to approach and apprehend the man. After his arrest, he was taken into custody.
Airport police have launched an investigation to determine how the suspect managed to access the secured area. The intervention involved airport police, the Shannon Airport Fire and Rescue Service, members of the Irish police, and personnel from the Irish Defence Forces who were on duty at the time.
Additional police officers were dispatched to the scene, including armed detectives and members of the Special Support Unit.
Due to the security incident, the airport was closed for less than 30 minutes. Operations were suspended around 9:50 a.m. and resumed at 10:15 a.m.
As a result of the disruption, two departing flights were delayed, while one aircraft from Lourdes was temporarily held in the air. After approximately 20 minutes, it was permitted to land, which occurred at 10:22 a.m.
Shannon Airport management confirmed that operations resumed following the incident, which required police intervention.
"Airport operations were suspended around 9:50 a.m. and resumed at 10:15 a.m.," a spokesperson stated.
Irish police have not yet provided an official comment on the case.