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Three Charged Over Airside Incursion That Caused Brief Shutdown at Shannon Airport

The court heard a US Navy Reserve jet was deliberately spray‑painted in a premeditated action, prompting strict bail terms.

Overview

  • Conan Kavanagh, 23; Emily Cathcart, 22; and Aiden Cantwell (also known as Kasper Stratta), 23, were charged with trespass and criminal damage, including to a US Navy Reserve Boeing 737-700.
  • Gardaí allege a modified Ford Transit crashed through an airside barrier before two occupants emerged through a roof hatch to spray the aircraft with green paint from a fire extinguisher.
  • Defence Forces personnel guarding the plane briefly drew weapons and assisted Gardaí in detaining the suspects after the airport fire brigade helped open the van.
  • Shannon Airport was closed for about 30 minutes, an inbound aircraft was placed in a holding pattern, and officials cited debris on Taxiway 11 as a safety risk.
  • The judge remanded the trio with consent to bail under conditions restricting entry to Co Clare and protests at Irish airports, with a video‑link hearing set for 25 November as investigators indicate further charges may follow.