More than 30,000 US troops passed through Shannon Airport in the first two months of this year, confirming its role as a vital link in the build-up towards a possible war in Iraq.
Figures released by Aer Rianta show that 272 aircraft used by the US military - an average of four each day - passed through Shannon during January and February as the military build-up in the Gulf intensified.
The figures show that the troop movements accounted for more than 10 per cent of the total passenger numbers going through Shannon in these months, despite three carriers that transport US troops pulling out of Shannon in that period.
The troops have also contributed to a 19 per cent increase in passenger numbers using the airport, resulting in Shannon being 16 per cent ahead of target in its projections to date for 2003.
The use of Shannon by the US military last year provided €9 million in revenue for the semi-State operator, and this would increase significantly this year if the troop movements were to continue.
The airport's director, Mr Martin Moroney, said yesterday that Shannon was having a very good year to date. "International terminal traffic is up by 15 per cent - from 179,000 to 213,000 - and this is a key area of business and does not include troop numbers," he said.
US traffic was up 7 per cent, while European and Middle Eastern traffic was up 45 per cent. The troops provided welcome business for the airport, he added.
However, the Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent TD, said the Government was risking Shannon's primary business of attracting tourists by allowing large numbers of troops through the airport.
The release of the figures comes ahead of another anti-war protest at Shannon tomorrow, where the Global Women's Strike will hold an event to coincide with International Women's Day.
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