Shannon Airport boosted by inclusion in the Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030

SHANNON Airport is to be included in the State’s new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030 following a significant expansion of the scheme which will now include airports with up to three million passengers annually.

The Sectoral Investment Plan for Transport under the recent NDP Review will provide almost €45 million capital investment over the period 2026-2030 under the Regional Airports Programme for airports that meet the new criteria (Shannon, Ireland West Airport (Knock), Kerry and Donegal). In addition, current funding will be provided on an annual basis as part of the Estimate process. In total, over €19 million is available for allocation under the Programme in 2026.  

Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien announced the publication of the new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030.   

The Programme will support connectivity and balanced regional development, while seeking to maximise the use of existing capacity across regional airports. Accordingly, the Programme has been broadened to support airports with up to three million passengers (on average over the two preceding financial years). 

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Minister O’Brien said:

“The Programme for Government acknowledges that, as an island nation with a dispersed population and an open economy, it is essential for Ireland to have good connectivity within the country and with the rest of the world. This connectivity is vital to supporting economic growth as well as local communities."

“In line with this, the Programme for Government gave a commitment to continue to invest in the Regional Airports Programme and to develop a new Regional Airports Programme 2026-2030. This new programme marks the delivery of this important commitment."

Minister O'Brien continued: “I am delighted to announce that, for the first time, the scope of the Programme has been broadened to include airports with up to three million annual passengers."

“In addition, to maximise the existing capacity at Shannon Airport, the Programme will also provide capital supports, on a further step-down basis, to airports with over 1.5 million and up to three million annual passengers. Shannon Airport is Ireland’s second largest long-haul airport after Dublin and is of strategic importance for the State. Its inclusion under the Programme will support it in accelerating its capital investment programme as it grows towards three million passengers.”

Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, Seán Canney added: 

“Both Ireland West and Shannon provide key gateways to the west, northwest and the midlands, serving international business needs and bringing tourists directly to the Wild Atlantic Way and Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands."

“Shannon Airport is strategically and nationally important: open 24 hours a day for 365 days a year, with passenger traffic of 2.3 million last year, and offering a 24-hour emergency service for aircraft using Irish airspace. Including Shannon Airport in the Regional Airports Programme supports this critical national infrastructure as it continues to grow towards three million passengers.”

Minister of State with responsibility for Rural Transport Jerry Buttimer said: 

“Government recognises the important role regional airports play in their areas and in regional development. Air connectivity is essential for the sustainability of rural communities, connecting remote regions to global markets, attracting investment as well as boosting inbound tourism. This new Programme will continue to support airports in attracting new business, and to make a sustainable contribution to their respective local economies and communities.” 

Welcoming the announcement, Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said: “We are very pleased that Shannon Airport has been included in the new Regional Airports Programme 2026–2030. This represents a strong endorsement of Shannon’s strategic importance to balanced regional development and our role in supporting sustainable connectivity for the West and Mid-West. It will support essential upgrades and ongoing investment to ensure our airport infrastructure remains resilient and future‑ready."

"Inclusion in this programme is something we have consistently highlighted as essential to ensuring that Shannon Airport can continue to deliver on its full potential for the country.

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"We would like to thank Minister O’Brien and the Department of Transport, and we look forward to working closely with them as we advance these important initiatives for the region and the communities we serve.”

In line with National Aviation Policy, the Programme will ensure that these airports receive support for measures aimed at maintaining compliance with the European Union’s safety and security related obligations. It is generally recognised that, without State support, these airports would struggle to comply with international regulatory obligations in these areas.  

Projects with a sustainability focus will also be supported, encouraging eligible airports to meet their carbon emission reduction targets under the Climate Action Plan, as well as build resilience against the likely impacts of climate change.  

Meanwhile, Shannon Airport today unveiled its new brand campaign, “The Best Place to Fly From” - a fun, semi-animated celebration of the airport’s famously friendly and hassle‑free experience. Fronted by two feathered “frequent fliers”, the campaign builds on Shannon Airport’s established reputation as Ireland’s Favourite Airport, earned through its award‑winning customer experience and status as Ireland’s top airport brand for a third consecutive year.

The 30‑second hero film also stars two members of the Shannon Airport team - Clare native Gerry O’Halloran (Airport Police & Fire Service) and Julia Shortt (Airport Search Unit) from Tipperary - who assist the little birds with the start of their holiday. From the car park to the departure gate, the ad highlights everything that makes travelling through Shannon different: car parks located just minutes from the terminal, swift security screening and an easy journey from check‑in to take‑off. 

Speaking at the launch, Tim Ryan, Group Head of Brand and Marketing at The Shannon Airport Group, said: 

“This campaign captures the warmth, ease and personality that people associate with Shannon Airport. We wanted to create something fun that reflects the reality - passengers love flying from Shannon because it’s quick, friendly and hassle‑free. The team here delivers an experience passengers simply won’t find elsewhere, and our two animated ‘frequent fliers’ bring that to life in a memorable way. As Shannon Airport’s route network and investment in the customer experience continues to grow, the focus remains the same - making Shannon the best place to fly from.”

The campaign arrives as Shannon Airport continues to expand and enhance its facilities. With 1,000 new spaces added to the Park4Less car park, passengers now enjoy greater choice of short-stay and long-stay parking - all within a seven‑minute walk of the terminal. The airport’s screening technology also allows passengers to keep their 100ml liquids and gels, as well as their electronics in their bags, significantly speeding up the security experience for families, holidaymakers and business travellers.

Shannon Airport’s commitment to an inclusive experience also remains a priority with the airport offering age‑friendly services, a dedicated Sensory Room, and full participation in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Programme, ensuring passengers with additional needs feel comfortable and supported. 

Travellers can choose from 40 routes from Shannon Airport in 2026 - the airport’s largest schedule in 17 years. This includes five new Ryanair services to Frankfurt, Rome, Madrid, Poznań and Warsaw, alongside increased frequencies on key routes such as Aer Lingus’ Boston service, rising to 10 flights per week at peak summer, and Paris, increasing from two to three weekly flights from May to October.

Staff from across Shannon Airport had the opportunity to feature in the new brand campaign by submitting photos and short videos. Gerry and Julia were selected by the production team to star in the final film, which was shot entirely at Shannon Airport.

The fully integrated “The Best Place To Fly From” campaign will run nationwide across TV, cinema, radio, digital and out‑of‑home channels throughout the year.

The campaign was developed in collaboration with creative agency, Connelly Partners, and media agency, Havas Media Ireland. The film was produced by multi-award-winning animation production company Piranha Bar and directed by Gavin Kelly.

To keep the celebrations flying high, Shannon Airport will announce details of a major flight giveaway on its social media channels in the coming weeks.