COVID-19 related travel restrictions led to a significant contraction of aviation activities, necessitating significant State support for the sector. This paper assesses the impact of the pandemic and Irish airport stakeholder relationships, exploring a widely expressed view that effective aviation collaboration is essential to recovery from COVID-19. Interviewees reported significant positive stakeholder interaction during the shutdown period, with airports supporting rapidly changing customer requirements, operationally and business-wise. However, each stakeholder organisation then focused on its own distinct challenges. Airport Stakeholder engagement during this COVID-19 period concentrated on short-term planning and objectives. Implications for airport managers are identified. This research makes a theoretical contribution regarding the impact on airports and stakeholders when sudden adverse developments affect the industry.