Aircraft held in fees dispute

Aer Rianta has detained an AB airlines BAC111 aircraft at Shannon Airport against what is stated to be "a substantial amount" …

Aer Rianta has detained an AB airlines BAC111 aircraft at Shannon Airport against what is stated to be "a substantial amount" due in landing fees and catering and fuel charges.

The aircraft was detained under the Air Navigation and Transport Act when it arrived from Gatwick on Wednesday. This followed the announcement by the company that it was shutting down operations.

Yesterday Aer Rianta assigned administrative staff to look after more than 200 passengers who had arrived for the first two of three daily flights normally operated by the company to Gatwick Airport. Most were accommodated on other flights.