A British Airways jet was forced to make an emergency landing at Shannon this morning after reports of a fire in the cargo hold.
The Boeing 747 en route from Miami to London Heathrow landed shortly after 5 a.m.
An Aer Rianta spokeswoman said that a cargo of fruit had given off fumes causing the fire alarm system on the jumbo jet to be activated.
After thorough examination of the plane it was found to be a false alarm. All 372 passengers on board flight BA206 remained on board while the cargo was removed.
A number of hours later the plane continued on its journey to London and preparations are being made for the cargo to be transported onwards.
