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Belfast International Airport Dishes Up New Flavours with Improved Passenger Facilities
AS part of a £100 million five-year investment plan announced back in 2023, Belfast International Airport has undergone extensive renovations and refurbishment to customer-facing areas, in a bid to enhance and improve the passenger journey. In 2025, the new £25 million terminal
extension
O’Neill and Deputy First Minister, Emma Little- Pengelly.
The new
terminal extension saw the introduction of a state-of-the-art security hall, and a new Duty-Free walk- through experience. The
Aelia was
officially opened by First Minister,
Michelle
have been incorporated throughout the area, including Boatyard Distillery, Born and Bred, Copeland Distillery and even the sweet- addition of Dougies Goodies, encouraging passengers to take a slice of Belfast with them on their outward journey. With a
multitude introduced passengers, to of
options benefit
facilities include popular ‘grab and go’
improved options
such as a new and improved W.H.S Smith, and a freshly-updated Starbucks.
Duty
Free area offers a wide- range of cosmetics, alcohol, confectionary, toys, and fashion items. In addition to international brands, local Northern Irish brands and businesses
Soul + Grain is a brand new addition to the airport’s departures area, with plant-based and vegetarian options available for passengers, this new casual area serves up coffees,
matchas, yoghurt bowls.
Back in September 2025, Pret A Manger opened its third NI branch in the Belfast
and
International Airport departures area, giving customers ample choice for a quick coffee- fix.
Incorporating local produce and flavours, Soda & Flax is a new addition to Belfast International Airport’s restaurant offering. Through discussions with local vendors, and companies, Soda & Flax has an adapted menu to merge together much-loved staples of Northern Irish cuisine and vibrant flavours
from across the globe.
Building on the importance of local influence, Soda & Flax is in partnership with Knead Pizza, a popular pizza restaurant that dishes up slices in Common Market, Belfast. Serving up traditional breakfasts, burgers,
and a Northern Irish take on tapas, noted as the ‘little wee plates,’ the Northern Quarter is a contemporary addition to Belfast International Airport’s dining facilities,
June 2026
Jet2 Applauds Greek Authorities Following EES Checks Suspension
JET2 welcomes the Greek authorities decision to suspend biometric checks under the EU’s new entry and exit system (EES).
The company praises the decision as Greece works with the industry to put customers first. The Greek embassy has stated
in an “update for British passport holders travelling to Greece” that: “As of 10th April 2026, British passport holders are exempt from biometric registration at Greek border crossing points.” Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2 said:
“We applaud the Greek authorities for acting in the best interests of UK holidaymakers. We believe that pausing EES checks, until systems and processes are ready, will result in a much better experience for our customers and we are pleased to see that the Greek authorities agree. “We expect a quick response in terms of demand for holidays to Greece as a result of this move, and we urge other countries to follow this common-sense approach and put holidaymakers first.” Andreas Fiorentinos, Secretary General of the Greek National Tourist Organisation said: “Following Jet2’s recent announcement welcoming Greece’s decision to temporarily suspend biometric checks for British travellers under the EES system, Greece reaffirms its commitment to providing a smooth and visitor-friendly travel experience.”
AER Lingus has launched its new commercial flight from Dublin to Raleigh-Durham International Airport in North Carolina, directly connecting the Tar Heel State and Ireland. The new service is perfect for fans from the University of North Carolina travelling to the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic in the Aviva Stadium, Dublin, this summer following its success in 2025 attracting almost 23,000 visitors. UNC will take on Texas Christian University (TCU) in the opening weekend of the NCAA college football season in what will be the international debut for both teams.
also
The new route to the Raleigh-Durham brings
increased connectivity to North Carolina’s Research Triangle, as well
Aer Lingus LAUNCH NEW DIRECT ROUTE from dublin TO north carolina
as making it a hub for innovation, research and higher education with the region being home to top universities including North Carolina State University, Duke University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
This service began on 13th April, 2026,
and will operate up to five times weekly on Aer Lingus’ new Airbus A321XLR aircraft. Lynne Embleton, Chief Executive Officer,
Aer Lingus, said: “Our new route creates a direct connection between Ireland and the Raleigh-Durham region for the first time, making it even easier for customers to travel to Dublin and onwards to destinations across the UK and Europe. “The Raleigh-Durham region is a hub for technology, innovation and research, and this additional connectivity to that region will allow the business and educational ties on both sides of the Atlantic to flourish. “Launching ahead of the 2026 Aer Lingus College Football Classic makes this service especially timely, and we’re really looking forward to welcoming UNC fans to Ireland this August as the Tar Heels take to the field at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.” The new service connects the Raleigh- Durham
region with more Paris, Amsterdam, London and Madrid. than 20
destinations across the UK and Europe, including Glasgow,
Rome,
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