Belfast International Airport: £100m investment and expansion plan will see 400 new jobs created
Bosses say the 5-year programme will transform the passenger experience
Last updated 18th Oct 2023
A new £100m investment and expansion plan was unveiled today (Wednesday) at Belfast International Airport.
The project which will take five years to complete, will include the creation of 400 new jobs for local construction companies.
The plan, announced in the airport's 60th year operating Co Antrim, includes extra seating and a new shopping area as well as an ultra-modern security building that airport bosses say will transform the passenger experience.
In addition, there will be improvement to departure areas and gates
Meanwhile, construction of a £25m security terminal's already under way and due to be completed next summer.
VINCI Airports’ investment plan will also revamp existing facilities.
There will also be a new solar farm built on the site which will generate 22.4 GWh of electricity and save 12,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The farm will be developed, financed, built, and operated by VINCI Concessions’ photovoltaic subsidiary SunMind.
Shopping will include new catering and retail outlets and the immigration area will also be extended over the next five years.
A spokesperson said: "These investments will improve operational efficiency and quality of service.
"They will support Belfast International Airport as the key gateway for Northern Ireland, as traffic is already above 4.5 million passengers in the first nine months of 2023 (+ 22 % compared to 2022) and returning to pre-covid levels.
"The initiative will also have a direct positive impact for the entire region, creating an estimated 400 jobs with local construction firms for the duration of the build."
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions & President of VINCI Airports declared: “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. As a long-term partner,
VINCI Airports is committed to sustainably develop the airport and increase its environmental performance”.
Graham Keddie, Managing Director at Belfast International Airport adds:
“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.”