OVER 2.1million passengers travelled through Shannon Airport in 2024, the constantly growing airport has confirmed.
And last year marked Shannon’s best performance in 15 years, with passenger numbers up seven per cent on figures from 2023.
On the back of this success, Shannon Airport confirmed that is set to invest a further €30million into its facility across 2025, with work already underway on a 1.2 megawatt solar farm.
Shannon Airport Group CEO Mary Considine said that the airport’s success in 2024 highlights its potential to further drive economic growth.
“Aviation is crucial for Ireland’s economic future, creating high-quality jobs and enabling global trade, investment, and tourism,” Ms Considine said.
“Shannon Airport’s strong performance in 2024 highlights its potential to further stimulate the national economy.”
Calling on the incoming government to develop a new national aviation policy, Ms Considine said that reducing the reliance on Dublin Airport is critical.
“We urge the new government to urgently develop a new national aviation policy prioritising sustainable growth across all state airports, by fully utilising capacity in the regions, reducing reliance on Dublin Airport and ensuring Shannon Airport’s permanent inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme to support national growth,” she said.
Shannon Airport’s success through 2024, a spokeswoman for the airport said, was driven by strong performance on its 33 routes to 11 countries including Delta’s return to New York JFK, combined with additional frequencies.
Over 200,000 additional seats on European, UK, and US destinations during 2024 enhanced connectivity and boosted tourism and business travel.
Works on the 1.2 megawatt solar farm, the first in Ireland to be developed on an airfield, are hoped to be complete by this summer, and will deliver between 15 and 20 per cent of the airport’s overall electricity requirements.
In the Shannon Airport Business Park, owned and managed by the Shannon Airport Group, a number of projects totalling €30million will start or progress throughout 2025, with two new research and development (R&D) engineering and manufacturing units set out over 103,000 sq/ft to be developed.
Plans are also underway for the development of a new 40,000 sq/ft R&D unit expected to commence in late 2025.
“We are proud of our significant contribution to both the regional and national economy. Through our airport and commercial property activities we create an environment that drives economic growth,” Ms Considine said.
“The year ahead promises to be positive and full of opportunities as we remain dedicated to enhancing the passenger experience, expanding our route network, and continuing our investments in airport transformation and sustainability initiatives.”
