The Daily Star Ireland
Between 2022 and 2024, Ireland’s airports and airspace facilitated nearly 2,000 U.S. military and civilian flights carrying declared munitions of war, with Shannon Airport serving as the primary transit point. This extensive use has sparked renewed scrutiny over Ireland’s longstanding policy of military neutrality.
Data from the Irish Department of Transport indicates that over 1,700 applications were submitted by U.S. civilian aircraft to transport munitions through Irish airspace or land at Irish airports during this period. Of these, only a minimal fraction—approximately 0.1%—were denied, primarily due to concerns regarding the nature of the munitions involved. Notably, two applications from Omni Air International in July 2024 were refused permission to overfly Ireland because of the specific types of munitions proposed for carriage.
While the Department of Foreign Affairs reported no refusals for U.S. military aircraft landings, it did not disclose whether these flights carried munitions. The majority of munitions transported by civilian aircraft comprised unloaded personal weapons of troops, with no ammunition. However, at least one flight in 2022 was documented as carrying ammunition exclusively.
Shannon Airport’s Role and Neutrality Concerns
Shannon Airport has long been a logistical hub for U.S. military operations, particularly for flights en route to and from the Middle East and Europe. Between 2022 and 2024, 978 U.S. military flights landed at Irish airports, predominantly at Shannon. Additionally, over 1,000 applications were made by U.S. civilian aircraft carrying munitions to land at Shannon for technical stops, such as refueling and maintenance.
Critics argue that this level of military transit challenges Ireland’s neutrality. Edward Horgan, a former Irish Defence Forces officer and peace activist, contends that Shannon Airport effectively functions as a U.S. military base, facilitating operations that may contravene international law. He emphasizes the importance of Ireland exercising full control over its airspace and ensuring that it is not used to support unlawful military activities.
Calls for Enhanced Oversight
Currently, Irish authorities do not routinely inspect foreign military or civilian aircraft carrying munitions that transit through the country. This reliance on the declarations of foreign entities has led to calls for more stringent oversight. Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell of the University of Notre Dame advocates for Ireland to assert its sovereignty by implementing thorough inspections of such aircraft, thereby upholding its commitments to international law and neutrality.
In response to these concerns, the Irish government has acknowledged the need for improved regulatory mechanisms. Transport Minister Eamon Ryan has proposed legislative changes to empower authorities to conduct random inspections of aircraft suspected of carrying munitions without proper authorization. These measures aim to enhance transparency and ensure compliance with Ireland’s neutrality policy.
Further complicating the issue, reports have emerged alleging that certain flights may have transported munitions through Irish airspace without the necessary permissions. Investigations are ongoing to determine the validity of these claims and assess whether any breaches of Irish airspace regulations have occurred. The outcomes of these inquiries could have significant implications for Ireland’s aviation policies and its role in international military logistics.
