VINCI Airports reveals Phase One completion of £100 million Belfast International redevelopment

UK. Belfast International Airport, a member of the VINCI Airports network, has today inaugurated a new terminal extension which includes an immersive new duty-free experience. It marks the Phase One completion of a £100 million (US$133.9 million) five-year investment programme.

The £25 million (US$33.5 million) terminal extension also incorporates a state-of-the-art security hall with next-generation equipment (meaning passengers no longer have to remove liquids or electronics from hand luggage), as well as enhancements to the arrivals experience, including a new external forecourt area.

A key part of the first investment phase is the 1,600sq m Lagardère Travel Retail-operated duty-free store, combining duty free, food & beverage and travel essentials under one roof.

For the first time passengers will have access to global brands such as Charlotte Tilbury and Rituals. Northern Ireland spirits brands also feature prominently, including McConnells, Bushmills and Boatyard Distillery.

This authenticity is further enhanced through a partnership with Tourism Northern Ireland, including initiatives such as the Northern Ireland Spirits Trail, highlighting the region’s rich distilling heritage. Passengers can also explore an international spirits tasting bar.

VINCI Airports noted that despite this significant investment, Northern Ireland travellers still cannot avail of the full duty-free tax exemption when travelling to other UK and EU Airports, as airports across rest of the UK and Ireland can, following the Brexit transition period.

“This is an issue we are determined to put right,” said the company.

Externally, the new forecourt area has been created taking inspiration from the original terminal’s design, completed in 1963. A notable feature of this building was the angular roof construction and this is still prevalent today, both externally and internally.

Reminiscent of an aircraft wing, this formed the inspiration for the new extension’s design, generating a new façade with a similar angular wing effect. This reflects the original building’s historical significance and ties together the old and new buildings.

Joined by Northern Ireland’s First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly, VINCI CEO Pierre Anjolras and VINCI Concessions CEO/VINCI Airports President Nicolas Notebaert today outlined ongoing investment plans. They have been in development since VINCI Airports’ investment in Belfast International Airport in 2018.

VINCI stated that with the further investment committed over the next three years, Northern Ireland’s busiest airport is expected to post another record year in 2025, building on last year’s success.

Reflecting on the airport’s progress, Belfast International Airport’s Chief Executive Dan Owens said: “When we started this process around two years ago, we were focused on our goal to transform the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport. Today we can say we have made significant progress in achieving that goal.

“We provide employment for over 4,000 people connecting almost 7 million passengers across our airline network. 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 our airline partners to develop our network of routes.”