First phase of ‘transformed’ Belfast International Airport opens

The first phase of a £100m redevelopment at Belfast International Airport has been described by one passenger as “a long time coming”.

This first £25m investment includes a new security hall and duty free area, as well as a new forecourt outside the front of the building.

The changes to security include new technology with scanners that allow passengers to travel without removing their liquids or electronics from their hand luggage.

The airport’s chief executive Dan Owens said their goal was to “transform” the passenger experience.

Passenger Trudy Brolly said the transformation project has been a “long time coming” and that the airport “needed that upgrade”.

“I think whenever international visitors came here it was a bit shabby looking and it was time for an upgrade but it’s looking really good.”

“Sometimes you dread security if it’s early morning and there’s a lot of flights to check in, then you have to be prepared for a queue, but I was straight through today,” she added.

The transformation project process started two years ago.

The airport employs over 4000 people and connects almost seven million passengers across its airline network.

Mr Owens said as an “economic driver” for this region in terms of economic development and tourism growth, the airport is “committed to further enhancing the passenger experience while also working with our airline partners to develop our network of routes”.

Daniel Kealey lives in England and has travelled back to Northern Ireland many times.

He said: “There has been a few instances where there have been big queues and you are quite delayed.

“I know they have been working on security for weeks and it has been a lot quicker than… which is good for planning your journey so it definitely seems to be a lot improved already.”

For Judith Stewart, this is her first trip since her honeymoon three years ago.

She said: “We’re going away with our wee son Isaac for the first time on a proper foreign holiday and it was nice and smooth coming through, lots of signs, so far so good.

“I thought it was going to be a lot more difficult than this, but it has been brilliant.”

Joe Boutell said: “We could have had an extra hour in bed really, was expecting to get here and have a big queue, but no it’s been great.”