Over 30,000 US troops used Shannon in 2003

Over 30,000 US troops have passed through Shannon airport in the first two months of this year, according to figures released by Aer Rianta today.

During January and February, 272 aircraft used by the US military passed through Shannon as the military build-up in the Gulf intensifies.

Troop movements accounted for over ten per cent of the total passenger numbers going through Shannon. This is in spite of three carriers pulling out of Shannon in that period.

The 30,000 troops have also contributed towards a 19 per cent increase in passenger numbers using the airport.

Shannon is now 16 per cent ahead of target in its passenger number projections to date for 2003.

The use of Shannon by the US military last year provided €9 million in revenue.