Loss-making Skynet Airlines last night insisted its future was not in question after a row over leasing payments resulted in one of its planes being grounded hours before it was due to fly to Amsterdam.

The US owner of the Boeing 737 told Skynet not to fly the jet after what Skynet said was a "technical" hitch delayed a leasing payment.

Taking off could have left Skynet open to legal action, said a spokesman for the carrier.

Two hundred passengers were bussed to Dublin where they boarded Aeroflot and Aer Lingus flights.

Differences have emerged between Skynet and the leasing company over the incident, and the airline will rent a different plane early next week.

The Skynet spokesman played down the matter, saying it was a "minor hiccup", and insisting its long-term prospects are secure.

Contrary to reports, the leasing firm did not seek a court injunction to ground the Boeing, he said.

However, he declined to comment on reports that a vehicle was parked in front of the plane to stop it taking off.

Skynet, which employs 100 at Shannon, reported pre-tax losses of €4.5 million for 2002.

In a statement yesterday, it said: "The company operates flights from Shannon to Amsterdam and Moscow. Arising from a dispute with the owners of an aircraft operated by Skynet, some passengers on today's flights to Amsterdam were inconvenienced, which we regret. However, all passengers travelling to Amsterdam have been accommodated."

Meanwhile, the airline said it would be recommencing its Dublin to Moscow service in mid-July.

The route was suspended early this month due to low passenger numbers.