Shannon Airport looks to the future with sealed time capsule

TO MARK 80 years since the first scheduled transatlantic passenger flight landed at Shannon Airport on October 24, 1945, The Shannon Airport Group has sealed a time capsule, capturing a vivid snapshot of life in 2025.

Part of the “Time, Sealed and Delivered” initiative, the project invited submissions from schools and communities across Clare, Limerick, Galway, and Tipperary.

Entries ranged from AI-generated portraits and letters about the future to reflections on daily life, technology, and climate concerns.

The capsule, buried on airport grounds, will be reopened in 2105.

READ MORE: Interactive signs to provide support for people visiting Limerick this Christmas

Travel emerged as a strong theme, with contributions highlighting smartphones as an essential travel companions, Ireland’s growing cycling infrastructure, and the need for inclusive, accessible journeys.

Sustainability was also central, with items like a Visit Clare reusable cup and documentation of the airport’s conservation grazing project showcasing environmental awareness.

Businesses in the Shannon Airport Business Park also contributed. EI Electronics shared materials highlighting its legacy, while tech firm Mbryonics looked ahead with its mission to bring internet access via space. Future Mobility Campus Ireland added insights into next-generation transport innovation.

The Shannon Airport Group included photos, passenger statistics, route maps, and environmental data – offering a detailed picture of its operations in 2025.

“This Time Capsule isn’t just about honouring where we’ve come from - it’s about sharing who we are today with the future,” said Ray O'Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group,

The capsule will remain sealed until 2105, on the 160th anniversary of the historic transatlantic flight.