Over 150,000 expected through Northern Ireland’s main gateway the Belfast International Airport as festive rush gets underway

2013-12-19 — /travelprnews.com/ — Belfast International Airport, Northern Ireland’s main gateway, is expecting over 150,000 passengers through its doors this festive season as people return for the Christmas holidays.

As well as passengers thousands of meeters and greeters are expected to descend on the airport as they welcome home loved ones for Christmas.  And the airport is giving them a Christmas bonus by reducing car parking fees for those picking up family and friends this Christmas season!

John Doran, managing director at the airport, said, “Christmas is one of our busiest times and we are expecting around 60,000 passengers to use the airport in the few days before Christmas alone. The terminal and car parks will be busy so as a thank you to all our customers, there will be a special low car parking rate on Monday 23^rd and Tuesday 24^th December.  It will cost just £1 for up to 2 hours in either short stay and main stay car park.  Carol singers will be on hand in the arrivals area to welcome passengers home and add that festive touch.

Jennifer Groves, Route Manager for easyJet, added, “As Northern Ireland’s largest airline, Christmas is always a busy time for in us, in fact 29th December will see our busiest day over the festive period with over 9,000 passengers expected to use the airport on this day alone.  easyJet will operate over 350 flights from Belfast carrying over 40,000 passengers over the Christmas period.”

Mr Doran continued “It won’t just be the passenger aircraft working hard, our cargo business will also be in full swing, making sure that all those presents are delivered in time for Christmas.  While the airport has no scheduled flights on Christmas day we still remain open should there be a requirement for diversions or medical emergencies.  So as you can see there is no time to rest as just after Christmas the ski season kicks in and we will be expecting tens of thousands of passengers to be heading off to the slopes, jetting off for some winter sun or heading back home after the festivities.  Our staff will be working extremely hard throughout the holiday period to keep Northern Ireland flying.

In order to make their journey as hassle-free as possible this Christmas passengers are advised to take on board the following tips:

·         Be prepared for the airport security checks, make sure you remove all outer clothing and place in the trays

·         If you are taking gifts with you – DO NOT WRAP them as security staff may need to look inside them.

• Please do not bring Christmas crackers or party poppers in your cabin baggage.
• Remember that restrictions on liquids still apply.  For more information please check www.belfastairport.com or the Department For Transport website www.dft.org.uk

ENDS

For more information contact Deborah Harris on 028 9448 4035 or 07766 475453

Notes:

One of Belfast International Airport’s busiest days will be Monday 23^rd December with approximately 12,000 passengers using the airport.

An airport representative will be available for interview on Monday 23^rd December should this be required.  To arrange this please contact Deborah Harris on 07766475453

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