Shannon Airport Forecasts 132,000 Easter Passengers as Expanded Summer 2026 Schedule Takes Off, Adding 5 New Routes & 2 Million Seats

Shannon Airport is preparing for a busy Easter period, with more than 132,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport, a 7% increase on the equivalent holiday period in 2025.

Interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, Ray O’Driscoll, said the figures reflect the “consistent growth we’ve experienced since the beginning of the year.”

He added: “This Easter’s projected uplift mirrors the strong performance we saw across the St. Patrick’s Day period. Demand remains solid, and we’re seeing people take full advantage of the school holidays and expanded choice across our network.”

Summer 2026 Schedule Launches with Increased Capacity and New Routes

Shannon Airport this week launches its Summer 2026 schedule, one of its most extensive programmes in recent years. The schedule features 38 routes across 11 countries and includes an additional 200,000 seats, bringing total summer capacity to 2 million seats, an 11% increase compared with Summer 2025.

This year’s programme introduces five new services: Rome, Warsaw, Poznan, and Madrid with Ryanair, and Frankfurt with Discover Airlines.

In addition, Ryanair has increased frequencies on several established routes including Manchester, Alicante, Barcelona‑Reus, Lanzarote, and Malta.

Transatlantic Capacity Reaches Highest Level Since 2018

Shannon Airport’s transatlantic offering is also expanding this summer. Enhanced frequency on the Aer Lingus Boston service brings total transatlantic capacity to more than 350,000 seats, the airport’s highest level since 2018.

Shannon’s US network covers five services: Boston and New York–JFK with Aer Lingus; Newark and Chicago with United Airlines, and New York–JFK with Delta Air Lines.

Aer Lingus has also added an extra weekly summer frequency on its Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) route, adding a further 9,200 seats.

Commenting on the broader programme, Mr. O’Driscoll said: “Our Summer 2026 schedule is among the most dynamic we’ve offered in many years. The range of destinations, increased frequencies, and improved connectivity reflect the strength of our airline partnerships and the confidence carriers have in the region. Our team is ready to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience for passengers travelling this Easter and throughout the summer, and we look forward to welcoming them all.”

Inaugural Flights Depart on New Ryanair Routes

This week also saw the first departures of Shannon Airport’s new Summer 2026 Ryanair routes. Inaugural flights to Rome and Poznan will operate today, following the first Warsaw service yesterday.

Departing passengers enjoyed Shannon Airport’s trademark hassle‑free journey from convenient car parks to swift security screening and recently refurbished departure gates – reflecting the airport’s commitment to being “The Best Place to Fly From”.

Full details on Shannon Airport’s destinations, services, and flight frequencies are available at www.shannonairport.ie or via the Shannon Airport App.