Belfast International Airport has announced a new £100m 5-year investment plan.
The plan – launched by the airport’s operator VINCI Airports – will increase Belfast International’s operational efficiency, improve passenger experience and environmental performance.
Phase one of the programme is currently underway, with the construction of a new security building adjacent to the current terminal building. This ultra-modern £25m facility will transform the passenger security experience by implementing the required Standard 3 Xray screening equipment, meaning passengers will no longer have to remove liquids or electronics from their luggage. The new building will be operational by Summer 2024.
VINCI Airports’ investment plan will also revamp existing facilities, improve airside departure area with additional departure gates and extra seating. Shopping offering will include new catering and retail outlets and the immigration area will also be extended over the next five years.
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.
VINCI Airports has also announced the launch of a 26 MWp new solar farm on the airport 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. This initiative forms part of VINCI Airports’ global environmental action plan, which aims to reach 50% emission reductions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. A member of VINCI Airports network since 2018, Belfast International Airport has already decreased by 44 % its emissions (scope 1 and 2) by applying VINCI Airports’ environmental solutions.
Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions and President of VINCI Airports 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. 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 said: “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.”
