'Significant step forward': €15 million upgrade works officially underway at Shannon Airport

THE SHANNON Airport Group has commenced the first element of its €40 million investment drive for 2026 as construction is now underway on a €15 million upgrade of the airport's terminal building. 

This phase marks the beginning of the latest programme of works across Shannon Airport, aimed at enhancing passenger facilities and delivering long‑term sustainability improvements. The project builds on the substantial work in sustainability that is already underway across the group.

The 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved, architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance. This critical upgrade will help to facilitate the transition to electric heat pump technology and new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. It will enable the move away from fossil fuel systems and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

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In addition to its environmental benefits, the wider project will also deliver substantial improvements to the customer experience. The immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded. Arriving passengers can expect brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts. These refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.

Sustainability is again to the forefront, with the removal of the old 1950s link corridor, a move that will save approximately 62 tonnes of CO₂ annually. This will be done by eliminating the requirement to heat and cool the old structure. As part of this change, new accommodations for Fixed Based Operators will be constructed within the Arrivals area of the terminal building.

Speaking today, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll said: “The commencement of this €15 million arrivals area upgrade marks a significant step forward in our commitment to lowering emissions, improving energy performance and enhancing the customer experience at Shannon Airport.

"As part of our overall €40 million investment programme, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernising one of the most important parts of the terminal. This work builds on the numerous enhancements we’ve already delivered and is a further investment in our passengers and in a sustainable future.”

This investment continues the significant progress that The Shannon Airport Group has made in recent years across both infrastructure and the customer journey. This includes the introduction of C3 security scanners, the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, installation of six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, enhanced flight information displays, the introduction of the Shannon Airport App and, in 2025, launching Ireland’s first on airfield Solar PV farm as well as newly refurbished European Gates 1-5. 

OCC Construction - a leading Irish contractor known for delivering high‑quality commercial, residential and med‑tech developments - has been appointed to carry out the works. Construction has just commenced, with project completion expected in May 2027. While no significant disruption is anticipated, The Shannon Airport Group thanks passengers and visitors for their patience as these important improvements are underway.

Additional projects included in The Shannon Airport Group’s €40 million investment programme include upgrading taxiways and the completion of Blocks Y & Z, two state-of-the-art industrial units which will add approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible, sustainable space at the Business Park.