CONSTRUCTION has gotten underway on a €15million facelift for the terminal building at Shannon Airport.
The works are part of a larger €40m investment across this year from the Shannon Airport Group to help bring operations at the Mid West airport to new heights and build on the sustainability works already undertaken across the Group.
Kicking off this Tuesday (February 17) works on the Shannon Airport terminal building, a spokesperson for the airport said, will include a completely new façade for the airport.
“The 1970s section of Shannon Airport’s main terminal building will be replaced with a modern, curved architectural façade, designed to dramatically improve energy performance,” the spokesperson said.
“This critical upgrade will help to facilitate the terminal’s transition to electric heat pump technology and new HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems – enabling a move away from fossil fuel systems and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
“Passengers will also notice the physical impact to the terminal, with a striking, fresh, new look for the exterior.”
In addition, the terminal building will see a complete overhaul of the immigration and baggage hall areas, while visions have been expressed for arriving passengers to be greeted with “brighter, more contemporary spaces featuring upgraded toilets, improved lighting and flooring, clearer signage and new layouts”.
“These refurbishments are designed to reduce queues and streamline passenger movement, including a dedicated new entrance for European passengers,” the spokesperson said.
Galway‑based OCC Construction has been appointed to carry out the works. Construction commenced this week, with completion expected in May 2027. The airport expects “no significant disruption” as works are ongoing.
The Shannon Airport Group interin CEO Ray O’Driscoll said that “the commencement of this €15million 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”.
The works come as part of a larger €40m investment across the Shannon Airport Group to bolster long-term sustainability.
“This investment continues the significant progress The Shannon Airport Group has made in recent years across both infrastructure and the customer journey. This includes the introduction of C3 security scanners, the addition of 1,000 new car parking spaces, installation of six new state‑of‑the‑art airbridges, enhanced flight information displays, introducing the Shannon Airport app and, in 2025, launching Ireland’s first on airfield Solar PV farm as well as newly refurbished European Gates 1-5,” the spokesperson said.
Additional projects included in Group’s 2026 €40m investment programme include upgrading taxiways and the completion of Blocks Y & Z, which will add approximately 100,000 sq/ft of sustainable space at the Shannon Airport Business Park.