In a significant milestone for Shannon Airport, Ryanair has announced the expansion of its base at the airport, with the addition of a fourth based aircraft for Winter 2025/2026. This strategic move will deliver a 20% increase in traffic, providing an additional 100,000 passengers annually and supporting the growth of regional tourism and international connectivity.

The investment, totaling US$400 million, will also bring three new routes to the airport, including destinations to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid. This marks a significant development in the relationship between Ryanair and Shannon Airport, solidifying the airport’s role as a vital gateway for international travel in the West of Ireland.

The announcement comes after a strong start to 2025, with Shannon Airport already witnessing increased passenger numbers and a growing demand for more international flights. With over 1.6 million Ryanair passengers expected to fly from the airport this year, this expansion further underscores the region’s importance to Ireland’s tourism and economic landscape.

Ryanair’s Strategic Expansion at Shannon Airport

Ryanair, Europe’s largest low-cost airline and Ireland’s number one carrier, has been steadily growing its presence at Shannon Airport over the years. With the addition of a fourth aircraft, Ryanair’s commitment to the mid-west region has become even more evident. The airline’s new “Gamechanger” aircraft, designed for enhanced fuel efficiency and passenger comfort, will operate on new and existing routes from Shannon, marking a significant step in the airline’s expansion strategy in Ireland’s regional airports.

Jason McGuinness, Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, expressed his enthusiasm for the new development: “We are delighted to celebrate another milestone for our Shannon base this Winter as the airport welcomes its fourth Ryanair-based aircraft. This new ‘Gamechanger’ aircraft will deliver 100,000 additional passengers (+20%) and three new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid. In addition to these exciting new routes, we will also increase flight frequencies on six popular Shannon routes: Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław.”

McGuinness also highlighted Ryanair’s investment of US$400 million in Shannon as an important endorsement of the potential for growth in Ireland’s regional airports, noting that the airline is keen to continue expanding its operations at Shannon, Knock, and Kerry. However, he also stressed the need for greater support from the Irish government to ensure that regional airports are not penalized for increasing passenger traffic, suggesting the expansion of the Regional Airports Programme to accommodate airports that handle more than 3 million passengers annually.

New Routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid

The addition of the Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid routes marks a key diversification in Shannon Airport’s flight offerings. These new destinations cater to holidaymakers seeking winter and year-round sunshine escapes, as well as cultural travelers interested in exploring European cities.

1. Lapland – Known as the home of Santa Claus, Lapland in Finland is a popular destination for families, especially during the Christmas season. The new route to Rovaniemi in Lapland will bring travelers closer to the winter wonderland of the Arctic Circle, offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience of snow activities, reindeer safaris, and the Northern Lights.
2. Madeira – The Portuguese island of Madeira, renowned for its stunning landscapes, volcanic terrain, and Mediterranean climate, will offer an appealing escape for those looking for warmth and nature. Madeira is a popular destination for hiking and wine tourism, attracting nature enthusiasts and cultural tourists alike.
3. Madrid – Spain’s vibrant capital, Madrid, offers rich cultural experiences with historic landmarks, renowned art museums, and exciting nightlife. This new route opens up Shannon’s access to one of Europe’s most important cities, facilitating business, leisure, and cultural travel between the West of Ireland and Spain.

Increased Frequencies on Existing Routes

In addition to the new routes, Ryanair will increase flight frequencies on six popular Shannon routes:

• Alicante (Spain)
• Edinburgh (Scotland)
• Kraków (Poland)
• Lanzarote (Canary Islands, Spain)
• Manchester (UK)
• Wrocław (Poland)

This expansion allows travelers to enjoy more flexibility and convenience when booking their flights, whether for short-term leisure getaways or longer stays. The increased frequency of flights on these routes will also benefit local businesses and boost inbound tourism to the Mid-West of Ireland.

Economic and Employment Impact

This expansion will have significant economic benefits for the region. With Ryanair’s investment in new aircraft and additional services, over 1,500 local jobs will be supported, including 350 highly paid positions in roles such as pilots, cabin crew, and engineers. These positions will be vital to ensuring the smooth operation of increased services, contributing to the local economy and providing high-quality jobs.

In addition to the jobs directly supported by the airport and Ryanair, there will be broader economic benefits for the region, including tourism-related businesses, hospitality, and retail. Shannon Airport and its surrounding areas are poised to see further growth in sectors that cater to tourists, with increased flights expected to drive spending in local shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Ryanair’s Commitment to Regional Airports

Ryanair’s expansion at Shannon is part of the airline’s broader commitment to regional airports in Ireland. The carrier has already shown strong support for Knock and Kerry airports, and this further expansion at Shannon is a direct response to increasing demand from travelers in the Mid-West of Ireland.

Ryanair has been one of the largest carriers serving regional airports across Europe, and its investment in Shannon Airport demonstrates the airline’s belief in the potential for growth at these locations. However, Ryanair is calling on the Irish government to ensure regional airports are adequately supported and incentivized to expand, as this growth is crucial for sustaining and enhancing the regional economy.

Ryanair’s Seat Sale and Future Plans

To celebrate the addition of the fourth aircraft and new routes, Ryanair has launched a 2-day seat sale with fares starting at €29.99. This sale provides an excellent opportunity for travelers to book affordable flights to some of the airline’s most popular destinations, including Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid. The special promotion is available exclusively at Ryanair.com, and seats are expected to fill quickly.

Looking ahead, Ryanair has ambitious plans for Shannon Airport, with hopes to increase the number of routes and services further in the coming years. The airline’s ongoing investment in Shannon is a clear signal of its commitment to the Mid-Western region and to the continued growth of regional air travel in Ireland.

Conclusion: A Bright Future for Shannon and Ryanair

The addition of a fourth based aircraft at Shannon Airport is a pivotal development for both the airport and the wider tourism industry in Ireland. With the introduction of three new routes, increased frequencies, and Ryanair’s US$400 million investment, the region is poised for significant growth in both tourism and employment. This expansion reinforces Shannon Airport’s position as a vital hub for both domestic and international travel in Ireland, and it sets the stage for continued success as the airport meets the growing demand for air travel.

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