Overhaul of Security Part of the ‘Biggest Investment’ in 60-Year History of Hub
The airport, recently ranked as one of the UK’s worst in a survey by consumer group Which?, will undergo a major refurbishment as part of a five-year revamp. The investment plan, announced by operator VINCI, includes an overhaul of security measures, eliminating the need for passengers to remove liquids and large electrical items from their luggage. Additional upgrades include an improved airside departure area, extra seating, new shopping facilities, and an extension of the retail and immigration areas.
Phase one of the programme has already begun with the demolition of the old arrivals terminal to make room for a new security building next to the existing departures terminal. The £25m/€29m security facility will feature Standard 3 x-ray screening equipment, expected to be operational by June 2024. The refurbishment is expected to create around 400 local construction jobs and increase the airport’s capacity over time as new routes are added.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports, expressed his confidence in the project, stating, “There is unanimous willingness to connect, not to be a sort of local place but to be connected to the world. It’s good for business and it’s good for people.”
VINCI acquired Belfast International in 2018 and currently operates over 70 airports in 13 countries. Their £100m investment in the airport, the largest in its history, aims to improve existing facilities and open up new destinations. The airport’s managing director, Graham Keddie, expressed a desire to regain connections to the USA and the Middle East.
In addition to the refurbishment, VINCI announced plans to build a solar farm on the airport site, generating renewable energy and reducing CO2 emissions. The farm will be developed and operated by VINCI Concessions’ subsidiary, SunMind.
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