SHANNON AIRPORT has boosted its transatlantic capacity for 2025 with 5,600 more seats in its summer schedule.
Delta’s increased direct flights to New York JFK offering 52,000 seats until September 20th which is 5,600 more than in 2024 and United Airlines’ non-stop to Chicago, with 44,000 seats until September 24th both returned to Shannon this week.
Passengers travelling from Shannon now have a choice of five, daily U.S. flights across the summer season as those returning this week are in addition to the year-round services offered by Aer Lingus to Boston and New York-JFK, and United Airlines to New York-Newark, bringing the total number of transatlantic seats on offer from Shannon across the summer to over 325,000.
An increase in seats on the Shannon to to JFK route this year reflects Delta’s ongoing efforts to enhance its global presence and increased connectivity between the U.S. and Europe. Delta’s Boeing 767-300ER, seating 216 passengers, features four distinct cabins, including the popular Premium Economy cabin and 26 luxurious lie-flat Delta One business class seats.
CEO of the Shannon Airport Group, Mary Considine said, “Shannon Airport continues to see a growth in demand for transatlantic travel, and the return of these key routes is a valuable seasonal addition to the year-round, daily Aer Lingus flights serving Boston and New York, alongside United Airlines service to Newark. Passengers choosing Ireland’s favourite airport have their choice of five, daily nonstop flights to and from America’s East Coast and Midwest, right across the summer and we look forward to welcoming them over the coming months—whether departing for business or city breaks or arriving to explore the beautiful Wild Atlantic Way”.
Reflecting on the importance of the connectivity from a business perspective, Orlaith Lawler, Mid-West Chair, American Chamber of Commerce stated, “With over 320,000 seats available this summer to three of the U.S.’s most influential cities, Shannon Airport continues to reinforce the Mid-West’s role as a vital gateway for transatlantic travel, trade, and investment. This level of connectivity is not just a convenience, it’s a catalyst for economic growth, enabling stronger collaboration with international partners and making it easier for global investors to access and engage with the wealth of opportunities our region offers”.
Dermot Kelly, Shannon Branch Chairman of the Irish Hotels Federation commented that the enhanced transatlantic connectivity makes “it even easier for U.S. visitors to experience the magic of the Wild Atlantic Way and vibrant gateway cities like Limerick and Galway. For many American tourists, this region is a dream destination—renowned for its breath-taking landscapes, rich heritage, and warm Irish welcome. These additional flights not only open the door to unforgettable journeys but also play a vital role in supporting the regional and national tourism economy during the peak travel season”.
Helen Downes, CEO of Shannon Chamber said the additional capacity on transatlanticn routes is “most welcome. Enhanced air access is a key enabler for trade, investment, tourism, and talent mobility. It strengthens Shannon’s role as a vital transatlantic gateway and provides our members, and the wider community, with greater flexibility and reach”.
Shannon Airport was the first airport in the world, outside of the Americas, to offer full U.S. Customs and Border Protection preclearance facilities meaning passengers are domestic travellers when they arrive in the U.S. With the recently launched, free Mobile Pre-Clearance app, US-bound passengers are also able to complete part of the process before arriving at the airport, making it even easier for them to fly from Shannon.
