A new ground floor arrivals lobby has opened at Belfast International Airport as part of a £25 million security upgrade at the Co Antrim terminal.
The new section opened fully to passengers arriving at the airport on Wednesday.
It comes as Belfast International prepares for its busiest ever Christmas season, with more than 500,000 passengers expected to pass through the terminal this month alone.
The rising numbers come as some passengers seek alternative forms or transport following the temporary closure of Holyhead port in Wales.
Ryanair has also expanded its winter programme at the airport in response to the cap in passenger numbers at Dublin Airport.
The new exit hall is the latest phase in the £100m investment plan announced by French infrastructure group Vinci in October 2023.
It included £25m for the construction and development of a new security hall building, which was required to support the installation of six new 3D scanners acquired by the airport.
The new government mandated scanning technology means passengers can leave liquids and electrical devices in their in-flight bags for security checks.
Belfast International Airport said the work on other parts of its terminal will continue into 2025
Dan Owens, who was appointed as the airport’s new chief executive in March 2024, said staff are expecting a significant increase in passenger numbers in the coming weeks as people travel home for Christmas.
“We are making significant investment to transform the terminal which will improve the overall passenger experience,” he said.
“In addition to the recent opening of our new security hall, we are delighted that we are able to open the next phase of the building, the new exit corridor and arrivals lobby.”
Meanwhile, the airport has urged passengers travelling with wrapped presents to ensure they are checked in the hold.
“Any electrical items being carried as hand luggage runs the risk of needing to be checked by security,” said a spokesperson.
“So if you are carrying them in your hand luggage, please don’t wrap them as they may need to be opened at security.”
The airport has also said that while electronics and liquids can be left in hand luggage for the new security hall, the 100ml cap remains for liquids.
Passengers have also been advised to arrive at least two hours before their departure time, and carry a phone charger to ensure they can keep updated on any changes announced by their airline.
