Shannon Airport begins €15m terminal upgrade under €40m investment programme

Shannon Airport (SNN) has commenced the first airport focused phase of its €40 million 2026 investment programme, with construction now underway on a €15 million upgrade of the terminal building.

The project centres on replacing the 1970s section of the main terminal with a modern curved architectural façade designed to significantly improve energy efficiency. The redevelopment will enable the transition to electric heat pump technology and new heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, supporting the airport’s move away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Passengers will also see a visible transformation of the terminal exterior, with a redesigned façade delivering a refreshed and contemporary appearance. Internally, the immigration and baggage halls will be fully upgraded to enhance operational flow and customer comfort.

Arriving passengers can expect brighter, more modern spaces featuring upgraded toilet facilities, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and reconfigured layouts intended to reduce congestion. A dedicated new entrance for European passengers will further streamline movement through the arrivals process.

Sustainability measures extend beyond the façade replacement. The removal of the old 1950s link corridor is projected to save approximately 62 tonnes of CO2 annually by eliminating the need to heat and cool the ageing structure. New accommodation for Fixed Based Operators will also be developed within the Arrivals area as part of the reconfiguration.

Ray O’Driscoll, Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said the €15 million arrivals area project represents a major step in lowering emissions while modernising a key part of the terminal. He added that the investment will deliver significant carbon reductions alongside tangible improvements to the passenger experience.

The upgrade builds on recent enhancements across Shannon Airport, including the introduction of C3 security scanners, 1,000 additional car parking spaces, six new airbridges, improved flight information displays, the launch of the Shannon Airport App, Ireland’s first on airfield solar PV farm and the refurbishment of European Gates 1 to 5.

Galway based OCC Construction has been appointed to deliver the works. Construction is now underway, with completion scheduled for May 2027. While disruption is expected to be minimal, passengers and visitors have been thanked for their patience during the programme.

Additional projects within the €40 million investment include taxiway upgrades and the completion of Blocks Y and Z at the Shannon Airport Business Park, adding approximately 100,000 sq ft of flexible industrial space.

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