The €40m investment to upgrade the old terminal building at Shannon Airport is underway, with parts of the airport dating back 75 years to be replaced and upgraded as part of the modernisation and enhancement pgroamme.
The Shannon Airport Group has commenced the first airport-focused element of its €40m investment drive for 2026, with construction underway on a €15m upgrade of the terminal building. The 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved façade with dramatically improved energy performance. The upgrade will help facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump technology and new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems.
“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,” said Shannon Airport Group interim CEO Ray O’Driscoll. “As part of our overall €40m investment programme, this project will enable major carbon reductions while also modernising one of the most important parts of the terminal. This work builds on the numerous enhancements we’ve already delivered and is a further investment in our passengers and in a sustainable future.”
The immigration and baggage halls will be completely upgraded, and passengers arriving at Shannon will now experience upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage, and new layouts. The airport authorities said the refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers.
A link corridor dating back to the 1950s will be replaced, saving 62 tonnes of CO2 annually by eliminating the requirement to heat and cool the old structure. New accommodations for fixed based operators – which provide support businesses for airport services – will be constructed within the arrivals area of the terminal building.
The Shannon Airport Group has made significant investment in infrastructure at the MidWest hub in recent years. The airport has introduced C3 security scanners and added 1,000 new car parking spaces. It installed six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, added enhanced flight information displays, and introduced a new airport app and newly refurbished European gates.
Additional projects included in The Shannon Airport Group’s 2026 €40m investment programme include upgrading taxiways and the completion of two state-of-the-art industrial units which will add approximately 100,000 sq. ft. of flexible, sustainable space at the Shannon Airport Business Park.
In November, Shannon Airport opened its €3.6m airfield solar PV farm, which is expected to supply 20% of the airports annual electricity needs.
Galway‑based OCC Construction has been appointed to carry out the works on the terminal upgrades which were announced this week. Construction has just commenced, with project completion expected in May 2027. “While no significant disruption is anticipated, The Shannon Airport Group thanks passengers and visitors for their patience as these important improvements are underway” the airport said.
