An Aer Lingus flight bound for Boston was turned around over the Atlantic Ocean after a 16-year-old girl reported being inappropriately touched by a male passenger, according to a court hearing at Ennis District Court. The incident occurred on November 15, 2023, on flight E1 135 from Shannon to Boston. The pilot made the decision to return to Shannon for the safety of all passengers on board.
The cost to Aer Lingus for returning the aircraft to Shannon was reported to be €28,213 ($32,000).
The accused, a 57-year-old man from County Galway, has been charged with two counts of sexually assaulting the teenager. The judge ruled that his identity could not be released.
According to Detective Garda Ruth O’Sullivan, the flight departed Shannon at around 2:30 p.m. Approximately an hour into the transatlantic flight, the young girl informed the cabin crew that the male passenger sitting beside her had touched her inappropriately. The girl and her family gave statements at Shannon Airport before continuing their journey to the U.S.
The case will be transferred to the circuit court, where more serious penalties are available. The accused has been remanded on bail until November 27, when the Book of Evidence will be served.
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