The New Year sees Shannon Airport celebrating it’s first Independence Day.
Just before the stroke of midnight, the Mid West Airport was formally separated from the DAA marking the first time that it has been operated on an independent footing since it was formally opened in 1945.
The first passengers to transit through the newly autonomous airport arrived on board the Aer Lingus EI-110 flight from JFK just after 5 am this morning.
The government claims it’s plan, which also includes changes for Shannon Development – which will be merged with the airport by July- and the development of an International Aviation Services Centre, will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs in the county.
Airport Director Mary Considine is also optimistic that passenger numbers will be boosted in 2013.
