Shannon Airport was buzzing with excitement on Saturday morning as more than 160 transition year students swapped their schoolbags for skis and checked in for Verona on Topflight for Schools very first ski charter from the airport.
The pupils from Castletroy College in Limerick left on a 2pm flight to northern Italy, from there travelling to the Folgarida & Marilleva Resort for a week of skiing, snow and adventure on the slopes.
Speaking today, Isabel Harrison, B2B Aviation Development Manager of Shannon Airport said: “We’re delighted to work with Topflight for Schools to bring hassle‑free, local ski departures to Shannon and it’s fantastic to see this year’s students heading off. 2027 is set to be an even bigger year as Topflight for Schools plans to more than treble its flights, offering over 2,400 seats via Shannon to the slopes of Italy and Austria. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them and wish all this year’s students a wonderful ski holiday.”
Next week, students from across Munster will depart from Shannon Airport as pupils from Ardscoil Mhuire in Limerick, Clarin College and Coláiste Bhaile Chláir in Galway, and Bandon Grammar School in Cork set off for the slopes with Topflight for Schools.
Donal Warren of Topflight for Schools added: “Today marks the start of our Shannon to Verona series for 2026 – a landmark moment for school travel across Northern Munster and the West of Ireland, and a strong reflection of Topflight for Schools’ focus on delivering local and regional departures for schools heading to the ski slopes of Italy and Austria.
It’s a great way to begin the trip, and as a former Group Leader, I fully understand the difference it makes to fly from your local airport. It means less time on the road, quick and easy check-in, and an overall better experience for both teachers and pupils to enjoy their ski tour.
We’re proud to partner with Shannon Airport and are delighted to confirm the extension of our regional programme for 2027 with even more flights and seats allocated from Shannon for local schools travelling to all our Italian and some of our Austrian Resorts.”
For further information on 2027 ski trips with Topflight for Schools from Shannon, including current availability, flight options and full programme details, please contact [email protected].
