Belfast International Airport, member of the VINCI Airports network, is planning for its busiest ever festive season with many more people than ever expected to travel over Christmas and the New Year with many domestic and international destinations on offer.
Over half a million passengers are expected to travel throughthe airport during December, with this weekend expected to be exceptionally busy with many people arriving home for the festive period.
As part of the airport’s terminal transformation programme, passengers will now be able to use the new ground floor exit hall, opening this week as part of the new £25m security extension. With direct access from the main arrivals’ area, passengers will now be able to access all ground transport and car parks by the modern new link corridor.
Work will continue into 2025 to upgrade further parts of the terminal as part of Vinci’s £100m investment programme to transform the facilities and improve the passenger experience.
Welcoming festive travellers, Dan Owens, Chief Executive Officer, Belfast International Airport said:
“Belfast International Airport is expecting a significant increase in passenger numbers in the coming weeks as everyone is looking forward to spending the festive period with their loved ones.
“We are making significant investment to transform the terminal which will improve the overall passenger experience. In addition to the recent opening of our new security hall, we are delighted that we are able to open the next phase of the building, the new exit corridor and arrivals lobby.”
With greater numbers than ever expected to travel over the coming days and weeks, Belfast International Airport has provided tips for passengers to help ensure they have a seamless start to their festive journey.
Belfast International Top Travel Tips
1. Travelling with Christmas presents
Please ensure that any wrapped presents are checked in the hold – especially if they are electrical or liquid. Any electrical items being carried as hand luggage runs the risk of needing to be checked by security so if you are carrying them in your hand luggage, please don’t wrap them as they may need to be opened at security.
2. Check Travel Document Requirements
Always double-check before you leave for the airport that you have the correct documentation ready at check-in.
3. Arrive On Time
Check with your airline for the latest information on your flight and arrive when your airline advises. We recommend you arrive at the Airport at least two hours before your flight departs. Please do not arrive too early or cut it too fine as we are expecting a larger volume of people travelling.
4. Keep Travel Essentials Handy
Make sure your tickets and boarding pass, travel insurance, driving licence, currency and credit cards are safe but easily accessible. It’s also mindful to carry a charger for your smartphone and have your airline information ready. Please keep your travel documents available to hand as you pass through security and the airport.
5. Remove Liquids
Remember, you can only take liquids in individual containers with a maximum capacity of 100ml on the plane. Each item should be left in your hand luggage.
6. Passing through Security
Before reaching security, please remember that all your electronic devices can now be left in your hand luggage. Coats, jackets and belts should still be removed as this helps speed up the security process. For more information visit Security | Belfast International Airport (belfastairport.com)
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