Declan Power: Shannon’s Globe-Trotter and Routes World Legend

When you think of Shannon Airport, one name always seems to come up — Declan Power. After more than four decades at the airport, Declan has become something of a legend in Irish aviation, known for his energy, innovation, and love for connecting people across the world.

History in the making

Declan began his journey at Shannon back in 1979, when Rod Stewart was topping the charts and the Sony Walkman was the latest craze. Starting in airport operations, he quickly became involved in some unforgettable moments — from greeting Pope John Paul II to welcoming world leaders like Fidel Castro and Ronald Reagan. Those early years set the tone for a career filled with big challenges and even bigger achievements.

As the years rolled on, Declan helped put Shannon firmly on the map. He played a key role in developing over 160 new routes with 45 airlines, growing passenger numbers, and even helping introduce Europe’s first full U.S. Preclearance facility. His creativity and drive made him a true ambassador for Shannon and Irish aviation as a whole.

But one achievement truly sets Declan apart: he’s the only person in the world to have attended all 30 Routes World events — an incredible record that reflects his passion for the industry and his commitment to building lasting relationships. From the very first event in Cannes in 1995 to this years, typhoon busting event in Hong Kong, Declan has proudly represented Shannon every single time.

After 46 years of service, Declan still brings enthusiasm and humour to everything he does. Whether it’s negotiating a new route or sharing stories from decades past, he’s proof that dedication, heart, and a good sense of fun can take you — and your airport — a very long way.