Effective January 1, 2026, updated Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) security regulations have introduced significant procedural changes for charter general aviation operations at Shannon Airport. While the airport remains fully operational for GA, both security screening and aspects of the U.S. CBP preclearance flow have been impacted.

Operators should plan carefully and proactively brief passengers, particularly VIP charter clients, as the overall experience is less discreet than in previous years.

Charter GA Security Changes – What Operators Need to Know

The new requirements stem from national security mandates applicable to airports handling more than 500,000 passengers annually. As of January 1:

• Walk-through metal detectors may no longer be used for primary screening
  • Passengers must be screened using advanced security scanners
  • Cabin baggage must be screened via EDS C3 equipment
  • Dedicated GA or VIP screening locations are no longer permitted for charter passengers

As a result, charter passengers must now utilize the main terminal central security search area, escorted at all times by their handling agent.

General Aviation Screening Proc…

Charter Passenger Screening – Revised Process

Charter passengers are no longer screened at vehicle checkpoints unless operating on a specifically demarcated aircraft.

Current flow includes:

• Transport by the handling agent to Coach Park 2
  • Hold baggage delivered to the Out of Gauge (OOG) desk in Departures
  • Passenger identity verification using passports (no boarding cards required)
  • Escorted entry into the central terminal screening area
  • Screening conducted using security scanners and EDS C3
  • Continuous escort through the CPSRA and transport back to the aircraft

Passengers are fast-tracked through a staff lane, which helps protect schedule integrity, but the experience is visibly different from the former GA/VIP screening environment.

CBP Preclearance Impact – All Flights (Private and Charter)

The IAA security changes also affect the U.S. CBP preclearance process at Shannon for both private and charter flights.

Previously, passengers could be screened via a VIP security screening area prior to CBP processing. Under the new procedures:

• Passengers must screen via the main public terminal security area
  • Fast-track staff lanes are used where possible
  • VIP discretion is reduced, though processing efficiency remains largely unchanged

These changes are procedural rather than regulatory and are not expected to materially affect average CBP turnaround times. However, operators should expect the experience to feel less seamless for high-profile travelers.

U.S. CBP Operating Hours – Shannon (EINN)

CBP preclearance at Shannon is available year-round with seasonal hours:

• May 1 – September 30
  • 0700–1500 local
  • Out-of-hours: 1500–2100 local
• October 1 – April 30
  • 0900–1700 local
  • Out-of-hours: 0700–0900 and 1700–2100 local

A minimum 24-hour notice is required for all CBP bookings (48 hours strongly recommended).

E-APIS must be filed at least 24 hours prior to arrival for CBP clearance to be granted.

CBP Clearance Flow at Shannon

Once a CBP appointment is confirmed:

• CBP appointment is scheduled approximately 30 minutes after arrival
  • Aircraft arrives and parks on stand
  • Crew may service and prepare the aircraft prior to CBP processing
  • Two crew members are escorted for CBP processing while one remains onboard
  • CBP agents conduct internal and external aircraft inspections
  • Hold baggage must be fully accessible
  • Final crew clearance occurs either onboard or at the facility
  • CBP clearance confirmation is issued electronically following completion

A typical fuel uplift and CBP preclearance turnaround remains approximately 45–60 minutes.

Operational Safety Reminder – Shannon Approach

Crews should remain alert to a known level-bust risk area in the Shannon Approach environment.

Ensure:

• Altimeters are set to hectopascals (HPA) when instructed
  • Inches of mercury (inHg) are not used unless explicitly directed

A significant number of level busts at EINN continue to involve non-scheduled aircraft due to incorrect altimeter settings.

Looking Ahead – Planned 2027 Improvements

Shannon Airport authorities have confirmed plans to construct a new GA vehicle entry screening facility in 2027, equipped with C3 screening technology.

Once completed, this facility is expected to:

• Allow GA charter passengers to screen prior to airfield entry
  • Remove the need for terminal-based screening
  • Restore a more private and efficient GA charter experience

Until then, operators should expect the current procedures to remain in place throughout 2026.