Northern Ireland

Belfast International Airport says 35 vehicles damaged during flooding

Belfast International Airport said 35 vehicles were damaged during the flooding last month
Belfast International Airport said 35 vehicles were damaged during the flooding last month Belfast International Airport said 35 vehicles were damaged during the flooding last month

BELFAST International Airport last night confirmed that 35 vehicles were damaged during flooding last month.

Managing director Graham Keddie said the parked cars were affected after "unprecedented rain" fell on July 28.

It comes after a caller to the BBC said she was told up to 1,000 vehicles may have been damaged, amid criticism of the airport's response to the flooding and safety concerns over driving damaged cars.

The Met Office said the airport recorded 88.2mm of rainfall in a single afternoon, more than the average for the entire month.

In a statement last night, Mr Keddie said: "On 28th July, 2,800 cars were in our park & fly car park and three cars were damaged.

"In our long stay car park there were 3,754 and 32 were damaged due to the unprecedented rain.

"Clearly, what occurred on the 28th July was beyond our control, but what we do control is the prompt and respectful way we deal with our customers who were so badly affected."

Mr Keddie said passengers affected were provided transport home and "we are settling all costs, including the cost of vehicles that have been written off".

"No-one will be out one penny because of what took place on the 28th."