Between 2022 and 2025, nearly 2,000 U.S. military and civilian aircraft carrying declared munitions of war have landed or flown over Ireland, according to data obtained by RTÉ News.  The majority of these flights utilized Shannon Airport, highlighting its role as a key transit point for U.S. military operations.

The Irish government has stated that these flights are permitted under strict conditions: aircraft must be unarmed, not carry weapons or explosives, and not be involved in military exercises or operations.  However, the volume of such flights has raised questions about Ireland’s policy of military neutrality.

Shannon Airport has a history of accommodating U.S. military flights, particularly since the early 2000s.  This practice has been a point of contention within Ireland, with critics arguing that it undermines the country’s neutral stance.  The government maintains that the flights are in compliance with international law and that appropriate oversight is in place.

The data also revealed that only a small fraction of applications for such flights were refused, indicating a generally permissive approach by Irish authorities.  This has led to calls from some political figures and advocacy groups for greater transparency and a reevaluation of Ireland’s neutrality policy in the context of these military transits.

As global geopolitical tensions continue to evolve, the role of Shannon Airport and Ireland’s position on military neutrality remain subjects of national debate.

Source: RTÉ News