Work has begun on the £100 million revamp at Belfast International Airport.
The extension will see a brand new security building for the airport in a five-year expansion plan.
In this building, Generation 3 x-ray equipment will be installed to keep the airport in line with the United Kingdom’s new guidelines.
The plan put forward by the airport’s owner VINCI Airports also sees an update to existing facilities, including an improved airside departure area with additional departure gates and extra seating.
Travellers in the future will be treated to extra shopping and catering facilities.
The Border Force area will also be extended over the next five years.
Phase one began this October with the demolition of the old arrivals terminal. Work will then commence on the construction of the new £25 million security building, next to the departures terminal.
It is estimated that 400 local construction jobs will be created for the duration of the build.
“VINCI Airports’ investment will support Belfast International Airport’s positive dynamic by strongly improving the passenger experience,” said Nicolas Notebaert, CEO of VINCI Concessions & President of VINCI Airports.
“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”.
In December of last year, the UK government set a deadline of June 2024 for all of its airports to install the new Standard 3 x-ray equipment.
The new x-ray machines will see an end to 100ml liquid restrictions when travelling.
Instead, passengers will no longer have to take liquids and large electrical items out of their cabin luggage while going through security.
“The tiny toiletry has become a staple of airport security checkpoints, but that’s all set to change. I’m streamlining cabin bag rules at airports while enhancing security,” UK’s Transport Secretary Mark Harper said at the time.
“By 2024, major airports across the UK will have the latest security tech installed, reducing queuing times, improving the passenger experience, and most importantly detecting potential threat.”
Feature Image Credit: VINCI-Airports.com
