The Shannon Airport Group has begun work on a €15m (US$17.9m) terminal upgrade at Shannon Airport that is the first airport-focused project within a wider €40m (US$47.3m) investment program planned for 2026.
Construction is now underway on the arrivals area of the terminal building. The project will replace a section of the main terminal dating from the 1970s with a new curved façade designed to improve energy performance and support the airport’s transition to electric heat pump technology and upgraded HVAC systems. The work is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by moving away from fossil fuel-based heating.
The project also includes a full refurbishment of immigration and baggage halls. Planned improvements include upgraded restrooms, lighting and flooring; clearer signage; and revised layouts to reduce queues and improve passenger flow. A new dedicated entrance for European passengers will also be introduced.
As part of the upgrade, an older 1950s link corridor will be removed. The airport group said this change is expected to save about 62 metric tons of CO₂ annually by eliminating the need to heat and cool the structure. New facilities for fixed-base operators will be built within the arrivals area.
Ray O’Driscoll, interim CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, said, “The commencement of this €15m 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 €40m investment program, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernizing one of the most important parts of the terminal.”
The wider 2026 investment program also includes taxiway upgrades and completion of two industrial units, Blocks Y and Z, at the Shannon Airport Business Park, adding around 100,000ft² of space.
Recent infrastructure projects at the airport have included the installation of C3 security scanners, additional car parking, new airbridges, updated flight information displays and a solar photovoltaic farm on the airfield. Refurbished European gates were also completed in 2025.
OCC Construction has been appointed to carry out the terminal works. Construction has begun, with completion expected in May 2027. The airport group said significant disruption to passengers is not anticipated during the project.
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