Dublin-bound Aer Lingus flight makes dramatic emergency landing after engine failure

An Aer Lingus flight that was bound for Dublin Airport was forced to turn back for a landing on Monday night due to an emergency.

Aer Lingus flight EI179 departed London's Heathrow Airport just before 9pm on Monday, but was forced to turn back after squawking an emergency. It turned back to London only moments later after reaching 15,000 feet in the air.

The pilot reportedly 'Squawked 7700' to the control tower at Heathrow, a code that indicates a general emergency aboard.

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Irish aviation journalist Shaun Dunne reported that a passenger aboard, Adam Kane, said that "the aircraft suffered a left engine failure".

The aircraft thankfully landed safely on a separate runway, and was taxied to stand 225 of the airport.

The incident was the second of the day for the Irish airline, as another Aer Lingus flight had a nose wheel steering fault on approach to Dublin Airport on Monday morning.

On its landing after a lengthy flight from Boston, the aircraft could not vacate the runway, and became disabled on the taxiway. Arrivals were temporarily stalled while the disabled aircraft was dealt with.

After approximately 20 minutes, the aircraft was towed to stand by Aer Lingus ground handlers and normal operations resumed.

Aer Lingus have been contacted for comment.