New Passenger drop off procedures at Belfast City Airport

By Carl Whyte Thursday April 30, 2009

GBBCA

Following an extensive review of operations to provide enhanced security at the airport and in line with Department for Transport regulations, new arrangements concerning vehicle access to the front of the airport terminal will take effect on Thursday 30 April 2009.

The objective for these capital works is to prevent a reoccurrance of a terrorist attack such as the one at Glasgow Airport in June 2007.

All persons wishing to drop off or collect passengers at the airport must now enter the new pick-up and drop off facility within the Short Stay Car Park, which shall be well signposted.

Vehicles entering the Short Stay Car Park for these purposes will have 10 minutes free access. A covered walkway has been erected from the Short Stay Car Park to the terminal building.

Mark Beattie, Director of Operations at George Best Belfast City Airport said:

“Whilst we appreciate that the public no longer have access to the front of the terminal, our car to gate distance remains one of the shortest in the UK.

“The changes to the front of house represent a £750,000 investment which brings the airport into line with Department for Transport regulations.

“We would like to take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience during the construction of the new facilities and thank our passengers for their patience whilst we have made these upgrades.

“Whilst there will no longer be any public access to the front of the terminal, additional staff will be ever present at the new drop-off and pick-up area and assistance for front of terminal access shall be provided to those passengers with reduced mobility.”

To mark the new arrangements parking in the Short Stay Car Park has been reduced by 50% for an introductory period in May. Motorists can now park for: