Ryanair Expands Shannon Operations with 4th Based Aircraft and Three New Winter Routes
(IN SHORT) Ryanair’s announcement of a fourth based aircraft at Shannon Airport for Winter 2025/26 brings three new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, alongside increased frequencies on six existing routes. This expansion contributes to 20% growth in traffic, with over 1.6 million Ryanair passengers expected annually. The US$400 million investment highlights Ryanair’s continued commitment to Shannon and the region, creating over 1,500 local jobs and boosting international connectivity.
(PRESS RELEASE) SHANNON, Ireland, 2025-Jun-5 — /Travel PR News/ — Shannon Airport is thrilled to announce Ryanair’s decision to add a fourth based aircraft for Winter 2025/26, marking a significant milestone for both the airline and the region. This expansion includes three new exciting routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid, along with increased flight frequencies on six existing popular routes: Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław. With this expansion, Ryanair’s traffic at Shannon is expected to grow by 20%, delivering over 1.6 million passengers annually and further strengthening Shannon’s role as a key gateway for the West of Ireland.
Mary Considine, CEO of The Shannon Airport Group, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement: “We are delighted to welcome Ryanair’s further investment at Shannon Airport. The addition of a fourth based aircraft and the launch of new routes to Madrid, Rovaniemi (Lapland), and Madeira offer our passengers even more choice, enhancing Shannon’s position as a vital hub in the region. Ryanair’s continued commitment is a strong endorsement of Shannon’s potential, and we believe the airport is well-placed for further growth. We are calling for a new aviation policy that supports Shannon’s strategic importance to the Irish economy.”
Ryanair’s Chief Commercial Officer, Jason McGuinness, highlighted the significance of the new expansion: “We are excited to add a fourth Ryanair ‘Gamechanger’ aircraft at Shannon, which will help us increase passenger traffic by 20% and introduce new routes to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid. We will also be increasing frequencies on six of our most popular routes. This investment, valued at US$400 million, is a testament to Ryanair’s commitment to supporting regional airports in Ireland and driving international connectivity to the Mid-West region.”
Ryanair’s US$400 million investment in Shannon Airport will contribute to over 1.6 million passengers traveling through the airport this year, significantly boosting inbound tourism and strengthening year-round international connectivity. However, Ryanair continues to advocate for increased government support for regional airports through the expansion of the Regional Airports Programme for 2026-2030, aiming to raise the passenger threshold to 3 million per year, enabling further growth and development.
To celebrate the addition of the fourth aircraft and new routes, Ryanair has launched a two-day seat sale, with fares starting from €29.99, available exclusively on Ryanair.com.
Shannon Winter 2025/26 Ryanair Schedule Highlights:
- One new “Gamechanger” aircraft (total of 4 aircraft based at Shannon)
- US$400m investment in Shannon
- 100,000 additional passengers (+20% growth)
- 20 routes including new destinations to Lapland, Madeira, and Madrid
- Increased frequencies on 6 popular routes: Alicante, Edinburgh, Kraków, Lanzarote, Manchester, and Wrocław
- Over 1,500 local jobs, including 350 highly paid roles for pilots, cabin crew, and engineers
- Shannon traffic growth to over 1.6 million passengers annually
For more information and to book flights, visit www.ryanair.com.
Media contact:
communications@snnairportgroup.ie
SOURCE: The Shannon Airport Group
