Busy Times at Shannon Airport

Figures released by Shannon Airport today show that July was the busiest month ever recorded at Shannon Airport with almost 400,000 passengers using the airport. This weekend, airport staff are preparing to handle almost 55,000 passengers alone indicating that this strong traffic performance in set to continue. So far this year overall traffic numbers have increased by 17% to 2.1 million passengers. This is the first time ever in Shannon’s history that 2 million passengers have been processed in the first 7 months of the year.

With 23 short-haul services now operating from Shannon the EU and UK markets are generating the largest volumes of passenger movements. The UK market has grown by 18% and the European market by 24% this year so far. Another 7 short-haul services will commence in the winter to Venice, Biarritz, Carcasonne, Krakow, Gdansk, Edinburgh and Bournemouth.

The transatlantic market has also performed well this summer and the extra services operated by Delta Airlines to Atlanta and New York JFK and by Continental Airlines to Newark contributed to a 12% increase in numbers over the same time period in 2005.

Commenting on these latest results, Martin Moroney, Airport Director, said, “ we are delighted with the continuing growth of our passenger numbers. More and more people are now taking advantage of the range of destinations of offer and together with our airline partners we are committed to developing even more services direct from Shannon. We aim to provide the widest possible network of services to the community in the West of Ireland as well as helping tourism industry to develop”.

In order to ensure an easy transition through the airport this weekend it is recommended that intending passengers follow the advice of their airline regarding check-in times.  Passengers are advised to carry just ONE piece of hand luggage and that any sharp objects should be placed in checked-in luggage.  Shannon Airport would like to thank all passengers for their co-operation with security procedures.

ENDS

3rd August 2006

For further information contact:

Claire McEnery

External Relations Manager 

Tel: +353(0)87 2215329