The six-storey-high, Ukrainian-built Antonov AN-225 is the only one of its kind. It has a wingspan of 88 metres, 32 wheels and is capable of carrying 640,000kgs on take-off. Known as the 'Mriya', the Ukrainian word for dream, the Antonov AN-225 is due to depart Shannon at 9am on Wednesday.

In early 2026, the Airbus A380 regained its status as the most impressive "superjumbo" to visit Shannon Airport, notably with a Lufthansa A380 touching down in January 2026 for a special commemorative visit. While the A380 is the largest passenger aircraft, the Antonov AN-124 Ruslan is a more frequent visitor in the cargo category following the 2022 destruction of the AN-225 "Mriya." Shannon is uniquely equipped to handle these massive aircraft because it boasts Ireland's longest runway at 3,199 meters (10,495 feet). This length, combined with the airport's strategic Atlantic location, makes it a primary choice for heavy cargo operations, military transports, and technical stops for wide-body jets like the Boeing 747-8F. Aviation enthusiasts often gather at the perimeter fence when an AN-124 arrives, as its six-story height and massive wingspan dwarf the standard Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s that dominate daily traffic. Whether it's the double-decker A380 or the heavy-lift Antonov, Shannon remains the "heavyweight" hub of Irish aviation, capable of accommodating the largest wingspans currently in operation globally.