An Aer Lingus flight from Boston to Shannon on Wednesday evening had to return to Logan International Airport after developing an engine problem.
Among those on board the Airbus were 33 students and three teachers from St Eunan's College in Donegal who had been on a skiing trip.
"We were about one to two hours out from Boston when we were told that we had to go back," said teacher Neil Gordon. "It was all well controlled by the Aer Lingus staff, but when we landed you could see all the fire trucks and emergency services on the runway. It was fairly dramatic."
The passengers are due to arrive in Ireland this morning.