Belfast International Airport is preparing for one of its busiest weeks of the year as it is expected to handle more than 152,000 passengers.

Passenger numbers have risen by eight percent and the busiest day will be Saturday 11 July, when around 21,000 passengers are expected to come through the Terminal.

The summer holiday period began with the arrival of larger, long-haul aircraft operated by Thomas Cook Airlines to Florida and Las Vegas as well as the Virgin Atlantic service to Orlando.

Passenger figures for June are up 8% on the same month last year and this trend's expected to continue throughout the summer season.

Uel Hoey, Belfast International Airport Business Development Director, said: "The numbers we are seeing so far will make summer 2015 an exceptionally strong summer season. Monthly growth of 8% reflects the range of destinations we serve and the competitively priced products offered by our airlines.

"We're more than ready for the summer rush and, of course, we’re also prepared to welcome record numbers of visitors to Northern Ireland especially from our biggest and most important tourist market in Great Britain."

(CD)