PASSENGERS departing from George Best Belfast City Airport can expect security queue times averaging just six minutes, the terminal's management insists.
It follows a £15 million upgrade of the departures lounge facilities at the airport, including introducing new retailers, enhanced bars and restaurants, additional seating and a new security search area.
And it comes as Belfast International Airport faces continued criticism for what has been described as"chaotic" scenes at its security points on a number of occasions in recent months, which forced bosses there to apologise to passengers, many who missed flights.
The infrastructural investment at the City Airport, as well as a 30 per cent in the retail offer, sees the introduction of some of the most sophisticated security systems in Europe.
“Speeding the passenger journey through security search, whilst maintaining the integrity of the process, is of the utmost importance to us," Belfast City Airport chief executive Brian Ambrose said.
“Using the very latest equipment and technology, such as automatic tray return facilities, e-gates and additional lanes, customers can now expect an average processing time of six minutes."
He added: “Our vision is to exceed passenger expectations at every touch-point of their journey. We’re delighted to see the finished terminal facilities and I'm confident that those travelling through here will be impressed.
“Our focus now turns to outside the terminal, where we plan to commence work on our car parking facilities starting with a covered walk-way and introducing further enhancements to our offering in 2019.”
Gerry Lennon, chief executive at Visit Belfast, said: “The vast majority of our out-of-state visitors arrive by air, so we welcome Belfast City Airport’s continuing investment in creating a first-class first impression and world-class welcome for our visitors.”
