Terminal upgrade underway at Shannon Airport

The Shannon Airport Group has commenced the first airport-focused element of its €40 million investment drive for 2026, with construction 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 sustainability work already underway across the Group.

It will lead to the 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building being replaced with a modern, curved architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance.

This critical upgrade will help to facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump technology and new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems – enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Passengers will also notice the physical impact to the terminal, with a striking, fresh, new look for the exterior.

In addition to its environmental benefits, this wider project will also deliver substantial improvements to the customer experience.

For example, the immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded while arriving passengers can expect brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts.

According to the airport, these refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.

Sustainability is again to the fore with the removal of the old 1950s link corridor, a move that will save approximately 62 tonnes of CO₂ annually 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.”

The airport notes that the latest investment continues the significant progress The Shannon Airport Group has made in recent years across both infrastructure and the customer journey.

This, it says, 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, introducing 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.

Galway‑based 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.