Shannon Airport
Shannon Airport is located in the south-east of Ireland. It serves the city of Limerick, which is 15 km away. With 1.5 million passengers in 2022, it is the third largest airport in the Republic of Ireland, and the fifth largest on the island.
It hosts five airlines, including two Irish ones. Shannon Airport is one of the Aer Lingus bases in Ireland, and of course, of Ryanair. Although small, it also offers several transatlantic connections to the United States. Aer Lingus operates a route to New York-JFK, and United Airlines provides a seasonal service to Newark-Liberty and Chicago-O’Hare airports.
Despite modest traffic, Shannon Airport remains relatively important in Ireland.
The presence of American airlines also affects your rights.
Shannon Airport, an Irish, and therefore European, airport
The Republic of Ireland is a member state of the European Union. Therefore, it applies Regulation (EC) No 261/2004, which governs civil aviation activities throughout the European Community area.
This regulation applies to:
- all flights departing from the European Community area (including Switzerland, Norway, and Iceland);
- flights to the European Community area, operated by airlines based there.
How does Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 apply to American and British airlines?
Ryanair and Aer Lingus are Irish and therefore European airlines. European law applies in all cases.
Even though TUI Airways flies under a British flag, it serves Spanish, and therefore European, airports. Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 applies.
For United Airlines, it depends on the direction of your travel. If you are going to the United States, you are subject to European legislation. If you are coming from there, American law applies.
What are your rights at Shannon Airport?
At Shannon Airport, you have a number of rights. Except for the seasonal flights operated by United Airlines and soon by Delta Airlines, Regulation (EC) No 261/2004 always applies.
If you are subject to European legislation, you are entitled to assistance until your arrival. In the event of a delay, your expenses are covered by the airlines. They must reasonably cover your meals and drinks, and if necessary, provide a hotel stay. You are also entitled to two phone calls.
In the event of a delay of more than 5 hours, cancellation, or denied boarding due to overbooking, you can get a refund for your ticket. If you do so, you forfeit your trip, as well as any assistance and any claim.
Finally, you may be entitled to compensation, subject to conditions. If your flight is delayed by at least 3 hours, is cancelled or overbooked, you can claim a fixed compensation set by Regulation (EC) No 261/2004. The amount varies between €125 and €600.
Has your flight been disrupted at Shannon Airport? Check if you are entitled to compensation with Delayed
If you depart from Shannon Airport or travel there with a European airline, you are subject to European law.
In the event of a delay, cancellation, or if you are denied boarding due to overbooking, you can claim fixed compensation.
Do you think you are entitled to it? Delayed helps you find out.
Contact us and claim up to €600 on your ticket.