On May 17, 2025, a highly visible protest at Shannon Airport disrupted normal operations and drew national attention. Three women were arrested after breaching airport security and spray-painting a US military-contracted aircraft, calling attention to Ireland’s indirect role in international military operations. The incident has reignited long-standing tensions over Shannon’s use as a stopover for American military flights, and the broader implications have sparked fierce public debate.

According to Gardaí, the women gained access to a restricted area at approximately 10:30 a.m., breaching a perimeter fence before approaching an Omni Air International Boeing aircraft parked on the apron. The aircraft, commonly used for transporting US military personnel and equipment, was reportedly marked with red paint, with slogans related to Palestine and anti-war sentiment.

The protesters, aged between 20 and 50, were arrested under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984. During the arrest, a female Garda sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to University Hospital Limerick for treatment. She was later discharged.

Airport operations were briefly suspended for around 30 minutes while airport police, Gardaí, and emergency services secured the area. A spokesperson for the airport later confirmed that normal operations resumed with only minimal delays to flights.

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