Belfast International Airport

The proposal is for a major extension of Belfast International Airport’s main terminal building. Belfast International Airport is Northern Ireland’s Principal Airport and the second largest gateway on the Island of Ireland. The airport operates 24/7 all year round and handles around 6 million passengers per annum.

The Department for Transport has mandated that all major airports in the UK will be required to install 3D scanning technology by December 2023. This equipment will provide security staff with clear, three-dimensional images of the contents of people’s bags. The proposed extension is required not only to accommodate the larger x-ray machines but also to enhance and improve the customer experience through the security checking area.

The extension will include an enhanced security area, allowing passengers to reach the terminal more efficiently, whilst a refresh to the front of the terminal building will modernise the appearance of the airport entrance.

ISSUES ENCOUNTERED

• Time sensitive due to the Government’s mandate for major airports to install 3D scanning technology by December 2023
• Assessment of planning issues and conditions

OUR INVOLVEMENT

Gravis Planning were engaged by Belfast International Airport to provide planning advisory support and communications support for this essential planning application. Gravis Planning ran a remote and online consultation for the application due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing restrictions. Plans were also displayed within the airport for users to view the plans and provide feedback.

Gravis Planning prepared the planning application and ensured its progress through the planning system providing advice on a range of planning related issues to approval from the local council.

Services: Planning, Strategic Communications

Project Value: £15million