Sixteen people have been taken to hospital after a United Airlines plane made an emergency landing at Shannon on Wednesday morning.

Shannon Airport confirmed that a United Airlines flight (UA-880) en route from Houston to Heathrow diverted to Shannon Airport with a medical situation due to severe and unexpected turbulence.

The plane landed at 5.55am and 14 passengers and two crew members were treated at the airport and brought by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick.

United Airlines issued a statement saying the diversion was due to severe turbulence.

"United Airlines is providing care and support to customers and crew of flight UA-880 which experienced severe and unexpected turbulence during a flight from Houston to London Heathrow today," the airlines said.

"The aircraft diverted to Shannon Airport in Ireland where it was met by medical personnel.

"14 customers and two flight attendants have been taken to a local hospital.

"We wish these passengers and crew a quick recovery from their injuries," the statement added.