Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 12 February 2026
246. Deputy Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire asked the Minister for Transport if permission was given by the State for US deportation flights to land and refuel in Shannon Airport en route to Israel on 21 January and 1 February 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [11237/26]
View answerThe Convention on International Civil Aviation signed at Chicago on 7 December 1944, and its associated annexes, established the framework for the operation of international civil aviation. Both Ireland and the United States are contracting parties to this Convention.
Article 5 of this Convention provides for the right of air operators of contracting parties to operate non-scheduled overflights and stops for non-traffic purposes (e.g., refuelling) in the territory of the other contracting parties.
This provision is provided for in Irish law in Article 3 of the Air Services Authorisation Order 1993.
Stops at Irish airports, by private and commercial charters, which are technical stops for non-traffic purposes (i.e. not picking up or setting down passengers), do not require prior authorisation from my Department.
My Department had no prior knowledge of the operation of these reported flights.
