An Aer Lingus passenger has shared a shocking picture of his packed flight with "95 per cent of all seats taken". The flight from Belfast to London Heathrow had “no social distancing whatsoever”, despite the strict government guidelines.

Flyer Sean Mallon told: “I would say there was about 95 per cent of the seats taken on the flight”.

Aer Lingus has vowed to launch a probe into the scenes after the pictures of the packed flight were shared on social media.

The airline said any process changes required would be implemented as a "matter of urgency".

A confusing eyewitness photo from a crowded plane

In a statement, the airline said: "In light of the unexpectedly high loads on the Belfast-London Heathrow service this morning and the level of demand for the route, Aer Lingus is reviewing its processes and procedures applicable to the operation of this service.

"The safety and security of Aer Lingus's customers and crew is our top priority and any process changes that are identified as being required will be implemented as a matter of urgency."

It comes after transport secretary Grant Shapps warned that foreign travellers to the UK could be forced to enter into a 14-day coronavirus quarantine.

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