An Garda Síochána Member Hospitalized After Security Incident at Shannon Airport
On Saturday afternoon, a member of An Garda Síochána was hospitalized following a security incident at Shannon Airport. Three women were arrested for allegedly gaining access to the airside area of the airport and causing criminal damage to an aircraft. This marks the second security breach at Shannon Airport this month, raising concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in place.
The incident took place around 4.30pm, shortly after the last aircraft had landed at 4.25pm. Once the security breach was discovered, operations came to a halt, leading to three arriving aircraft being placed in holding patterns. Flight crews were informed by air traffic controllers about the “incident” at the airport, causing confusion and delays for passengers and airline staff. The Shannon-based Irish Coast Guard helicopter was also affected, as it was grounded due to the suspension of operations.
As a result of personnel from Shannon Airport Police and Fire Service responding to the security breach, fire cover at the airport was reduced, forcing operations to be stopped. The three women reportedly entered the airport and approached an Omni Air International aircraft parked at Stand 42. They proceeded to throw red paint onto the forward section of the aircraft, causing damage to the Boeing 767-330(ER). Despite the disruption, all three suspects were apprehended, and operations resumed to normalcy by 5pm.
A Garda spokesperson confirmed the incident, stating that one member of An Garda Síochána was injured during the arrests and was taken to University Hospital Limerick for assessment. Fortunately, her injuries were deemed non-life threatening, but the incident raises questions about the safety of law enforcement officers during such security breaches. Investigations into the matter are ongoing to determine how the women were able to breach airport security and cause damage to the aircraft.
This recent security incident is not an isolated case at Shannon Airport, as a similar breach occurred on May 1st. In that instance, three individuals were arrested after crashing a van into a security fence and attempting to enter the airport grounds. The van was thwarted from accessing an airport taxiway after becoming stuck in a drain. These incidents highlight the vulnerabilities in airport security protocols and the need for improved measures to prevent unauthorized access and criminal activities on airport premises.
