Four hundred new employment for local construction businesses will be created by the project, which will take five years to complete.

The proposal, unveiled in conjunction with the airport's 60th year of operation, calls for the addition of additional seats, a new retail area, and an ultra-modern security structure that, according to airport officials, would completely change the traveller experience.

Additionally, entrances and exit areas will be improved.

A £25 million security terminal is now being built and should be finished by summer of next year.

The investment plan of VINCI Airports will also modernise current infrastructure.

Additionally, a brand-new solar farm will be constructed there, producing 22.4 GWh of power annually and reducing 12,500 tonnes of CO2 emissions. SunMind, the solar business of VINCI Concessions, will be responsible for the development, financing, construction, and operation of the farm.

Over the following five years, the immigration area will be expanded, and additional retail and catering establishments will be added to the shopping area.

“These investments will improve operational efficiency and quality of service,” a spokesperson stated.

Given that traffic at Belfast International Airport has already surpassed 4.5 million passengers in the first nine months of 2023 (up 22% from 2022) and is starting to return to pre-COVID levels, they will continue to support the airport as the main entry point for Northern Ireland.

“The initiative will also have a direct positive impact for the entire region, creating an estimated 400 jobs with local construction firms for the duration of the build.”

“VINCI Airports' investment will support Belfast International Airport's positive dynamic by strongly improving the passenger experience,” said Nicolas Notebaert, President, and CEO of VINCI Concessions. The airport is essential to aviation, tourism, and the local economy as a whole. Being a committed partner.

VINCI Airports is dedicated to improving the airport's environmental performance and developing it responsibly.

Belfast International Airport's Managing Director, Graham Keddie, continues, saying:

“VINCI Airports has consistently shown its support for Northern Ireland, as seen by its investment of this magnitude, which also shows how confidently they believe in the airport's staff and future growth potential.

“This announcement lays out a clear vision of how we intend to provide a long-term strategic vision for the Airport, our passengers, and the wider region as we mark our 60th anniversary at the end of this month.”