Latest news with #BelfastInternationalAirport
Irish Post
29-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
Ryanair marks major milestone at Belfast airport
MORE than six million people have been carried through Belfast International Airport via Ryanair flights the Irish airline has confirmed. The low-cost airline has been operating out of the Northern Irish airport since 2016. It now has two aircraft based at the site, where it boasts a schedule of 176 weekly flights across 19 routes, including a newly announced route to Kaunas in Lithuania. This week the airline reached its six million passenger milestone at the airport. 'We're pleased to announce that Ryanair has carried over six million passengers through Belfast International Airport since we began operations back in 2016,' Ryanair's Director of Comms, Jade Kirwan, said. 'This significant milestone showcases Ryanair's continued support and investment for Belfast, delivering important connectivity, traffic, tourism, jobs, and economic growth for Northern Ireland.' She added: 'This summer, Ryanair is operating a robust schedule to/from Belfast with 176 weekly flights across 19 routes, including our new Kaunas route. 'This schedule will largely operate on our two Belfast based aircraft – an investment of $200m and supporting over 1,000 local jobs.' See More: Belfst International Airpor, Flights, Investment, Ryanair
Sunday World
17-05-2025
- Sunday World
Belfast airport and easyJet apologise after disabled OAP left waiting on plane
'I've been getting special assistance for five or six years and it is arranged in advance of my flights' Belfast International Airport has apologised to a disabled pensioner who was forced to stay on a plane after delays to special assistance. The 75-year-old Bangor man and his wife (72) had already faced a 'three-hour delay' on the easyJet flight to Majorca and were then forced to wait another hour for special assistance to be taken off the return flight back in Belfast. And when they eventually gained access to the Northern Ireland port, immigration officers had left their customs desks leaving the couple stranded for some time to have their passports checked. The pensioner, who wished to remain anonymous, hit out at what he claims is 'chronic under-staffing' of special assistance. Belfast International Airport He said: 'The problem with Belfast International Airport was on the night. There were five flights in before us and we ended up doing laps of Lough Neagh waiting to land. 'At Belfast they have a Combi-Lift and vehicle, which is a machine that comes along and is raised up to the plane door so that you get off on your wheelchair. I understand that there may have been a lift that was out of action because it is damaged and needed to be repaired. 'On the way out to Majorca we had a three-hour delay and got to our rooms at 6am and I also ended up in hospital there, with pneumonia. So, it was eventful enough even at that point. 'On the return, back to Belfast we ended up having to sit on the plane for the best part of an hour - 50 minutes for sure - before we were able to get off. You can't use the loo, which surprised me and there was no offer of any water. And then when we did get off, of course there was no one at the desk [immigration] and I was told , 'No, you can't get into the country'.' The delays to immigration were resolved soon afterwards. He added: 'I've been getting special assistance for five or six years and it is arranged in advance of my flights. I have osteoporosis and have cracks at the bottom of my spine, so I don't do standing for very long at all or walk any distance. 'As well as that my right ankle became fused years back and I also have atrial-fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, which leaves me breathless, that's why I have to have the wheelchair. 'The truth of the matter from my point of view would be that, if you go to any other airport in the UK and certainly even in Majorca, they are not understaffed for people who are prepared to push wheelchairs and that type of work. It's really chronic under-staffing for special assistance in my opinion.' An easyJet spokesperson said: 'This is clearly not an acceptable experience and absolutely not what we expect for our customers, and we are looking into why this happened with the airport and their special assistance provider. There were problems on the easyJet flight. Stock photo. News in 90 Seconds - May 17th 'Our crew remained onboard with the passenger while waiting for the airport's special assistance to arrive to ensure his well-being and water and toilets onboard were available.' Stormont and the Government's Levelling Up fund has previously provided Belfast International with several million pounds in funding for investment in transport support. Persons of Reduced Mobility using Belfast International Airport are provided with assistance as and when required on their journey through the airport at no extra cost, according to the airport's website. Belfast International recently completed the first phase of its £100m upgrade and expansion redevelopment plans. An airport spokesperson said: 'The safety and comfort of all the passengers that travel through Belfast International Airport is our priority and we are deeply sorry that the service experienced on this occasion was below our usual high standards. 'This was due to a number of aircraft arriving earlier or later than their scheduled arrival time and a number of passengers requiring assistance who had not booked, which conflated the problem. 'The provision of Special Assistance in every UK airport is audited by the Civil Aviation Authority and we work closely with them to ensure we are providing the highest standard of care for the over 110,000 passengers who require Special Assistance at Belfast International Airport every year. 'Belfast International Airport has received a Good rating from the CAA for its Special Assistance provision. We again apologise for the inconvenience caused to the passenger and would be happy to discuss the issue with the passenger directly.'
Belfast Telegraph
17-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
Belfast airport and easyJet apologise after disabled pensioner left waiting on plane
The 75-year-old Bangor man and his wife (72) had already faced a 'three-hour delay' on the easyJet flight to Majorca and were then forced to wait another hour for special assistance to be taken off the return flight back in Belfast. And when they eventually gained access to the Northern Ireland port, immigration officers had left their customs desks leaving the couple stranded for some time to have their passports checked. The pensioner, who wished to remain anonymous, hit out at what he claims is 'chronic under-staffing' of special assistance. He said: 'The problem with Belfast International Airport was on the night. There were five flights in before us and we ended up doing laps of Lough Neagh waiting to land. 'At Belfast they have a Combi-Lift and vehicle, which is a machine that comes along and is raised up to the plane door so that you get off on your wheelchair. I understand that there may have been a lift that was out of action because it is damaged and needed to be repaired. 'On the way out to Majorca we had a three-hour delay and got to our rooms at 6am and I also ended up in hospital there, with pneumonia. So, it was eventful enough even at that point. 'On the return, back to Belfast we ended up having to sit on the plane for the best part of an hour - 50 minutes for sure - before we were able to get off. You can't use the loo, which surprised me and there was no offer of any water. And then when we did get off, of course there was no one at the desk [immigration] and I was told , 'No, you can't get into the country'.' The delays to immigration were resolved soon afterwards. He added: 'I've been getting special assistance for five or six years and it is arranged in advance of my flights. I have osteoporosis and have cracks at the bottom of my spine, so I don't do standing for very long at all or walk any distance. 'As well as that my right ankle became fused years back and I also have atrial-fibrillation, which is an irregular heartbeat, which leaves me breathless, that's why I have to have the wheelchair. 'The truth of the matter from my point of view would be that, if you go to any other airport in the UK and certainly even in Majorca, they are not understaffed for people who are prepared to push wheelchairs and that type of work. It's really chronic under-staffing for special assistance in my opinion.' News Catch Up - Friday 16 May An easyJet spokesperson said: 'This is clearly not an acceptable experience and absolutely not what we expect for our customers, and we are looking into why this happened with the airport and their special assistance provider. 'Our crew remained onboard with the passenger while waiting for the airport's special assistance to arrive to ensure his well-being and water and toilets onboard were available.' Stormont and the Government's Levelling Up fund has previously provided Belfast International with several million pounds in funding for investment in transport support. Persons of Reduced Mobility using Belfast International Airport are provided with assistance as and when required on their journey through the airport at no extra cost, according to the airport's website. Belfast International recently completed the first phase of its £100m upgrade and expansion redevelopment plans. An airport spokesperson said: 'The safety and comfort of all the passengers that travel through Belfast International Airport is our priority and we are deeply sorry that the service experienced on this occasion was below our usual high standards. 'This was due to a number of aircraft arriving earlier or later than their scheduled arrival time and a number of passengers requiring assistance who had not booked, which conflated the problem. 'The provision of Special Assistance in every UK airport is audited by the Civil Aviation Authority and we work closely with them to ensure we are providing the highest standard of care for the over 110,000 passengers who require Special Assistance at Belfast International Airport every year. 'Belfast International Airport has received a Good rating from the CAA for its Special Assistance provision. We again apologise for the inconvenience caused to the passenger and would be happy to discuss the issue with the passenger directly.'
Irish Post
08-05-2025
- Business
- Irish Post
New Belfast Airport terminal extension open for business
AN extension to Belfast Airport has been formally opened this week by Northern Ireland's First Minister Michelle O'Neill. The terminal building extension marks the first phase of a £100m investment at Belfast International Airport. First Minister Michelle O'Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly were on hand to formally open the new extension at Belfast International Airport It features a plaque to mark the opening of the building, which houses a state-of-the-art security hall, an upgraded duty-free experience and a new arrivals area. 'This impressive transformation of the terminal building shows Belfast International Airport's commitment to improving its facilities and operational efficiency in order to enhance passenger experience,' Ms O'Neill said as she officially opened the new site with deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly. 'Improving our air connectivity with Europe and the rest of the world is key for growing business and tourism,' she added. 'This first part of the £100million investment plays a key role in our goal of delivering wider economic growth and creating jobs. 'I look forward to seeing the next phases of the programme come to fruition in the years ahead.' Belfast International Airport CEO Dan Owens said the organisation is 'committed' to driving growth in the local economy. 'It is clear that through the Programme for Government our Ministers are committed to helping the local economy and tourism sector grow through increased global connectivity, developing new routes and promoting the region to international markets,' he said. 'Through VINCI, Belfast International Airport is committed to working with the Executive to make this happen and in doing so, we have been investing heavily in upgrading Northern Ireland's gateway to the rest of the world.' He added: 'As the economic driver for this region in terms of economic development and tourism growth, we are committed to further enhancing the passenger experience while also working with the Executive and our airline partners to develop our network of routes.' See More: Belfast International Airport, First Minister Michelle O'Neill
The Sun
07-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
First look at £100million revamp of major UK airport with ‘much needed' upgrades
THE first look at a £100million upgrade of a major UK airport has been revealed. Belfast International Airport has opened a new security hall, which is the latest phase of its multi-million pound upgrade. 3 3 The security hall has been designed to accommodate future passenger growth at the airport. This includes new scanning technology that allows passengers to travel without removing their liquids or electronics from their hand luggage. There is also a new duty free area, which spans 1,600 square metres and features duty free, food and drink shops and travel essential shops. A new forecourt is outside the front of the building too. According to the BBC, one passenger said the transformation project has been a "long time coming" and that the airport "needed that upgrade. "I think whenever international visitors came here it was a bit shabby looking and it was time for an upgrade but it's looking really good." The airport's chief executive Dan Owens shared that their goal was to "transform" passengers' experiences. The transformation project started over two years ago and will last five years in total. Belfast International Airport is on track to surpass its 2024 success and experience another record-breaking year. Plans to upgrade Northern Ireland's busiest airport were announced back in 2023. The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying Reports from the announcement noted that there will also be improved departure and border force areas. The plan included revamping existing facilities and providing extra seating for travellers. It was estimated that the project will contribute 400 jobs with local construction firms during the build. In 2024, over 6.7 million passengers travelled through the airport, which was a 13 per cent increase compared with 2023 and the highest number in the airport's history. The majority of flights from the airport are operated by easyJet, which is Northern Ireland 's biggest airline. In addition, TUI recently announced that it will operate a new direct flight from Belfast International to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, from next summer. Belfast is also home to Britain's cheapest airport carpark. 3
