Tag Archives: Shannon airport

SHANNON Airport had just under 380,000 passengers in 2021, with Covid-19 measures having a huge impact. It was only after the rollout of vaccinations and the introduction of the EU Digital Covid Cert that restrictions on non essential air travel were lifted in mid July. The numbers that travelled in 2021 were actually an increase on the 352,000 figure in 2020, but they were down by 78% on 2019, the last full year of operation prior to the pandemic. Shannon Group CEO Mary Considine said that while it had been a challenging year, the relaxation of restrictions gives grounds for optimism. “Our team at Shannon Group have been unwavering in our focus on recovery and rebuilding to ensure a successful future for our employees, the people and businesses in our region who rely on our Shannon Airport services for their livelihoods. Although it has been another challenging year, having come through the worst of the Pandemic, we are confident that …

AN iconic Coca Cola advert was inspired by events at Shannon Airport 51 years ago this month, writes Owen Ryan. The advert, which features a song with the famed lyrics ‘I’d like to teach the world to sing’ came about after Bill Backer, creative director on the Coca Cola account for the McCann Erickson advertising agency was flying to England to meet with Billy Davis, a music director, to write radio commercials with British songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenway in January 1971. On Coca Cola’s website, it states that Bill’s flight to the UK was forced to make an unscheduled stop in Clare. “The heavy fog in London forced the plane to land in Shannon, Ireland. Passengers had to remain near the airport in case the fog lifted. Some of them were furious about their accommodations. By the next day, Backer saw some of the most irate passengers in the airport cafe. Brought together by a common experience, many …

A SUM OF €500,000 has been granted by government for the advancement of a section of dual carriageway to provide better access to Shannon Airport. Speaking about the allocation, Clare TD Cathal Crowe said it will improve safety. “The works on a dual carriageway at Shannon Airport will see a stretch about 2km long put in place on safety grounds. “As you enter Shannon Airport and pass the security hut on the approach, the road becomes a single lane each way. “This has been assessed by experts as not being safe – as in a case where emergency services and so on need to access the airport, passing may be an issue.” “Whilst our first priority must be rebuilding air connectivity in and out of Shannon, it’s also encouraging to see groundworks taking place to improve things at the airport too.”

FLOOD relief for Shannon Town has “a long road” to go before completion, the monthly meeting of Clare County Council has been told. Following a question from Councillor Gerry Flynn, the CEO of the authority said the issue will addressed, but will require “a variety of interventions”. Commenting on the monthly update on the Shannon Town & Environs Flood Relief Scheme, the Independent member said progress with the works was a matter of concern. “I have been receiving a lot of calls from concerned residents over the flood relief scheme. It seems like a long time since we met the minister on this. Meanwhile, Shannon Airport are pushing ahead with their efforts. The town is still vulnerable and some residents cannot get insurance against flooding. “When will we see work on the embankments of the town? I’m calling on the CEO to progress this because it seems to me that the time-frame is slipping and sliding.” Responding, Pat Dowling said …

THE Government has announced the allocation of another €10.1 million in funding for Shannon Airport. Shannon is to get €5.527 million under the Covid-19 Regional State Airports Programm 2021, while it is also to receive €4.574 million under the Covid-19 Supplementary Support Scheme. According to figures from the Department of Transport, in 2021 Shannon will receive a total of€23.6 million this year, as it continues to grapple with massive drops in traffic due to the pandemic. They also show that €160 million will be the combined sum given by the State to airports this year, with the majority, €97.2 million, going to Dublin. Cork will get €25.1 million while Shannon receives €23.6 million, with Knock, Kerry and Donegal getting much smaller sums. Minister of State at the Department of Transport Hildegarde Naughton said, “Building on my announcement of allocations totalling €23m under the Supplementary Supports Scheme to Irish Airports in July, I am delighted to announce a further considerable allocation of …

IN an update issued this morning, Shannon Group have said two flights have already been cancelled due to today’s storm and it advised people to check with the status of their flight before leaving home. A spokesperson said: “The first scheduled flight of the day, a Ryanair flight to Tenerife departed Shannon Airport this morning at 7.21am. However, Aer Lingus services from and to Heathrow Airport scheduled for later this afternoon (EI 385 and EI386) have been cancelled due to the expected severity of storm Barra. “There have been no further confirmed flight cancellations yet, and we are awaiting updates from our airlines. However, as a status red weather warning for County Clare is due to come into effect today, we strongly advise intending passengers to check with their airline before travelling to the airport. Flight information will be posted on all Shannon Airport social media platforms and the airport website as it becomes available.”

THE Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) has issued a report on an incident at Shannon on August 15 of 2019, in which a fire began in the landing gear of a Boeing 767-33A aircraft, writes Owen Ryan. Synopsising what had happened, the AAIU report says, “During the take-off roll on Runway (RWY) 24 at Shannon Airport (EINN), Ireland, the Commander heard an unusual noise and elected to reject the take-off. Following the rejected take-off, the aircraft was taxied to a holding area for brake cooling. “It was subsequently decided to return to the parking stand. During the taxi back to stand, Shannon ATC observed smoke and then a fire in the area of the left main landing gear. “Airport Fire and Rescue Service (AFRS) vehicles were deployed and the fire was extinguished. The passengers and crew evacuated the aircraft via emergency slides. One passenger sustained a minor injury during the evacuation.” It said that the incident was probably caused by …

A SPECIAL seasonal flight to the Arctic Circle will lift off this December from Shannon Airport. To celebrate, the airport is launching a special competition for a fairy-tale trip for a lucky family on Thursday, December 2 to Santa’s home in Lapland over 4,000 km away. “We are delighted that passengers from Shannon will have the opportunity to enjoy a magical visit to Lapland,” said Mary Considine, CEO Shannon Group. “It will be a really special trip. I expect the excitement and atmosphere on departure day will be palpable and, no doubt, a thousand stories told on return and a thousand memories made.” Lapland has the last remaining expanse of wilderness in northern Europe, including the coastline, forests, mountains and unspoilt rivers. In winter this becomes a wonderland of snow where visitors get to enjoy the fun of snowmobile adventures, toboggans and sleigh rides. The lucky family will fly from Shannon to the Santa Claus Village in the North Pole. …