THE owner of Belfast International Airport has pledged £100 million in a five-year investment plan.
The chief executive of French infrastructure group Vinci Concessions, Nicolas Notebaert, confirmed the plan during a visit to the Co Antrim airport this week.
It includes the ongoing £25m development of the airport’s new build security hall, which will see 3D scanners introduced from June 2024.
Part of the UK Government mandated plan for all airports, it will spell an end to the 100ml liquid rule for boarding aircraft and mean passengers can leave liquids and electrical items in their bags for security checks.
It’s expected to substantially speed up queues at airport security.
Vinci also confirmed it will upgrade Belfast International’s departure area, with additional departure gates and extra seating.
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The terminal will also see new catering and retail outlets, while the immigration area will also be extended over the next five years.
The work is expected to involve around 400 construction roles throughout the course of the work.
It comes as the airport announced a return to profit in 2022, doubling its passenger numbers.
Total turnover at the airport last year almost doubled from £21.6m to £40.7m, producing a profit of £4.5m.
Belfast International said its passenger numbers in 2023 are already 22 per cent up on last year, hitting 4.5 million in the first nine months following the return of Ryanair and the expansion of EasyJet’s operation.
The airport previously peaked at 6.3 million passengers in 2019, before the Covid-19 pandemic devastated the aviation and air travel industry.
A new solar farm is also set to be developed at the Aldergrove site, which will be capable of generating 22.4 GWh of electricity.
Part of the airport’s plan to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and become net zero by 2050, it will be developed, financed, built, and operated by Vinci Concessions’ photovoltaic subsidiary SunMind.
Speaking at the airport, Nicolas Notebaert said: Vinci Airports’ investment will support Belfast international airport’s positive dynamic by strongly improving the passenger experience.
“The airport plays a pivotal role for aviation, tourism and the wider local economy," he said.
“As a long-term partner, Vinci Airports is committed to sustainably develop the airport and increase its environmental performance.”
Belfast International’s managing director, Graham Keddie, added: “Vinci Airports’s commitment to Northern Ireland has been unwavering and their determination to invest such an amount demonstrates the belief they have in the airport, it’s team and potential for future growth.
“As we mark our 60th anniversary at the end of this month, today’s announcement sets out a clear vision of how we intend to provide a long-term strategic vision for the airport, our passengers, and the wider region.”
