Belfast City Airport Celebrates 30 Successful Years

On a recent visit to George Best Belfast City Airport, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and the Mayor of North Down praised staff and management for the important economic role the facility plays.

In what was one of the busiest years in the airport's 30 year history, 2013 also saw the airport transport more than 100,000 passengers over the busy Christmas and New Year period alone.

Passenger figures for the 12 months to the end of October 2013 were over 2.5 million - up 14.1% on the previous 12 months.

Mayor of North Down, Andrew Muir, said: "Belfast City Airport is one of our most valuable transport assets, particularly for business passengers. This vital transport hub ensures that businesses across Belfast and North Down are a flying success.

"I am determined to work with the Airport and key stakeholders to provide a more stable and secure future for this valuable economic gateway.

"Northern Ireland's economy still faces many difficulties, but by bringing people and businesses together, we can facilitate collaborative solutions to promote growth, develop skills and retain talent."

Brian Ambrose, Chief Executive of George Best Belfast City Airport, added: "2013 has been a particularly busy year for Belfast City Airport with over 1.65 million passengers being transported through the terminal in the summer months alone. This is an increase of nearly 22% on the same period in 2012.

"As Northern Ireland's sole link with London Heathrow, this route has been particularly strong throughout 2013 and the festive period with passengers from across the world using the London hub to travel home for Christmas.

"The domestic routes operated by Flybe, our largest and longest serving airline, have performed well throughout the year and were extremely busy getting passengers where they needed to be for the holidays."

(CD)