Shannon Airport is getting ready for a busy May bank holiday period, with more than 56,000 passengers expected to travel through the airport. This represents an increase of 9% on the same period in 2025 and reflects the growing demand for travel from the West of Ireland. Passengers flying from Shannon this year have plenty of choice, with 40 routes available across Europe, the UK, and the US. Demand has been boosted by the launch of new city break routes for 2026, including Rome, Madrid, and Frankfurt, while sunspots such as Malaga, Alicante, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura remain among the most popular destinations.
As well as departing passengers from across Ireland, the airport will also welcome inbound visitors from Europe, the UK, and the US over the May bank holiday period. Many of these visitors will enjoy a Wild Atlantic Way journey, spending time locally and enjoying the area’s attractions, hospitality, and tourism experiences, providing an economic boost for businesses right along the route.
Commenting ahead of the bank holiday weekend, the Airport Director of Shannon Airport, Niall Kearns, said, “We’ve had a really strong start to the year, with solid increases in passenger numbers across the February, St Patrick’s Day and Easter bank holiday periods, so it’s great to see that continue into May and the beginning of the summer season. We genuinely believe the holiday experience should begin at the airport, and our teams are excited to look after passengers and help make their journey as enjoyable as possible. With 1,000 additional car parking spaces, a handy app putting flight information at your fingertips, a strong range of accessibility supports and a friendly welcome for everyone, we’re focused on keeping things as hassle‑free as possible from the moment people arrive.”
