The CEO of Shannon Airport believes that the airport has a role to play in mitigating the impending overflow of passengers in Dublin Airport. Dublin Airport is expected to exceed its set annual capacity of 32 million passengers later this year, a situation brought about by record-breaking travel demand, noted by its operator DAA.
The CEO, Mary Considine, asserts that Shannon Airport, with its underutilised facilities, can bring the country back to a balanced aviation standard. She also highlighted that Shannon’s strategic location offers passengers closer proximity to their final destinations in the west of Ireland.
From the start of this year till August, Shannon Airport has observed a 7% increase in passenger counts when compared with the same timeframe in the previous year. Furthermore, Considine is confident in the airport’s potential for further expansion.
This year, Shannon Airport is projected to witness a footfall of 2 million passengers. Over the past few years, the airport has received an investment exceeding €178 million, aimed at enhancing its infrastructure and property and expanding its service offerings.
Additionally, the airport is dedicated to reducing its carbon emissions, with plans to achieve a 51 per cent cut in greenhouse gases by 2030, and aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050. The airport has acquired authorisation to create a solar farm on a 5.5 acre site within its airfield that will generate 15 to 20 per cent of the airport’s electricity needs.
A recent analysis by Oxford Economics disclosed that Shannon Airport Group brings approximately €4 billion to the national GDP and contributes to over 20,300 employment opportunities.
Coinciding with these developments is the airport’s 10th anniversary celebration, during which it was announced that Shannon Airport now serves 33 destinations across Europe, UK, and the US.
Shannon Airport Group was approached for their input but is yet to comment.