Shannon Airport is an international airport located in County Clare, Republic of Ireland. It is adjacent to the Shannon Estuary and is located between Ennis and Limerick. The airport is the third busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland and the fifth busiest on the island.
The airport has a pioneering history in global aviation with the first transatlantic proof flight in 1945, the world’s first duty-free airport opened in 1947 and Europe’s first United States border pre-control facility opened in 1986. A busy refueling stop for many international carriers in the 1960s, Shannon has been a gateway between Europe and America. The airport is used as an intermediate refueling point, especially for long-distance private jet flights. With the longest runway in Ireland at 3,2 kilometers, Shannon has been designated as an alternative landing site for the Space Shuttle.
Ireland private jet charter prices
Although Shannon Airport air charter fees depend on variables such as the number of passengers, departure airport, flight time, aircraft position, flight date, the prices for private jet charter from Istanbul → Shannon are as follows.
Midsize Jet | 25.000 EUR |
Heavy Jet | 39.250 EUR |
Long Range Jet | 60.150 EUR |
These prices are average amounts and you can contact us on our flight reservation screen or by phone for the most accurate price information.
History of Shannon Airport
In the late 1930s, seaplanes dominated transatlantic air traffic and a seaplane terminal was available at Foynes on the south side of the Shannon Estuary. However, it was realized that changing technology would require a permanent runway and an airport.
The Irish Government confirmed in 1936 that it would develop 3,1 square kilometers in Rineanna for the country’s first transatlantic airport. The land on which the airport would be built was swampy, and on October 8, 1936, work began on draining the land. It began service in July 1939, hosting a commercial flight for the first time.
By 1942, a serviceable airport had been established and named as Shannon Airport. In 1945, at the end of World War II, the existing runways at Shannon were extended to allow take-offs for transatlantic flights. In 1947, the “Duty Free Airport Act”, sponsored by Brendan O’Regan, made Shannon the world’s first duty free airport. Shannon has become a model for other duty-free facilities around the world.
In 1969 it was announced that a new government agency, Aer Rianta (now the Dublin Airport Authority), would be given responsibility for Shannon Airport. That year, the number of passengers at the airport reached 460.000. With the increase in the number of passengers and the use of Boeing 747, it was decided that a new and expanded terminal was needed. The first commercial operation of a 747 took place in April 1971, while the new terminal was officially opened in May of the same year.
In 2000, due to the increase in tourist arrivals to the country, a new terminal annex building was opened for 40 million pounds. In December 2012, it was announced that Shannon Airport would be separated from the Dublin Airport Authority, which currently owns Dublin and Cork airports. At 11:59 on 31 December 2012, Shannon Airport became a public commercial airport and is now operated and managed by Shannon Airport Authority plc.
The airport served 1.864.762 passengers in 2018. This is the highest number of passengers since independence from the DAA (Dublin Airport Authority).
Shannon travel guide
The Shannon region is a visually striking region located in the central part of Ireland. It consists of the counties of Limerick and Clare, located on the banks of the mighty Shannon River.
Among the important places to visit in the city are Bunratty Castle, built in 1250 for the defence of the city, Bunratty Folk Park with its 26 acres of rural farmhouses and village shops, Adare, a magnificent small Heritage Town on the banks of the River Maigue in Limerick, The Loop Head Peninsula, which hosts exquisite views, and the historic town of Ennis.
Transportation From Shannon Airport to the city center
Thanks to the airport taxi and taxi desk available in the Arrivals Hall, an airport taxi or a taxi can be arranged for wherever you need to go. One of the most practical ways to travel is by bus. It is possible to reach the important points of the city with Bus Éireann, Ireland’s national bus service departing from outside the port.
In addition, there are offices of car rental companies such as Hertz, Dollar, Thrifty, Avis, Budget, Europcar within the port.