Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair has announced that it may shift its planned €50 million maintenance hangar investment from Shannon Airport to Poland if Irish planning authorities fail to approve the project on schedule. The airline's proposal includes a four-bay aircraft MRO facility along with an engineering academy, intended to expand its existing maintenance operations which currently employ over 200 mechanics and engineers.
The initial timeline aimed for construction to commence in early 2027, with the intention of increasing maintenance capacity to support the airline's fleet expansion. Ryanair anticipates receiving its first of 300 Boeing 737-10 aircraft in early 2027.
In a statement dated October 8, the company's COO Neal McMahon emphasized the urgency of timely planning approvals, stating, "Ryanair is ready to invest €50 million in Shannon and create 300 new high-skilled jobs, but we will not accept planning delays or bureaucracy." He added that if Shannon cannot meet the timetable, the airline would relocate the project and jobs to Poland.
The airline currently maintains a facility in Wroclaw, Poland, and the project’s potential relocation exemplifies the broader impact of planning delays on regional development and aviation growth. Ryanair’s decision highlights the need for efficient infrastructure development and timely approvals to avoid disruptions to expansion plans and employment.
