Belfast International Airport has announced last month was its busiest July on record, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
Just over 700,000 passengers passed through the Co Antrim terminal during the month, with almost 6,000 flights across 70 destinations.
The busiest day was July 14, when around 26,000 passengers were recorded.
The Vinci-owned airport’s new boss, Dan Owens, who took over as chief executive in March 2024, said the figures follow an expanded range of routes and frequencies over the summer.
“All of our airlines have added new destinations to our route portfolio including Malta, Bodrum, Tunisia and Larnaca which indicates that there is clear demand to travel to a wide range of destinations,” he said.
Belfast International Airport’s most popular destination in July was Palma in Mallorca with 40,000 passengers heading to the Spanish hotspot.
The airport, which has faced criticism in the past over long queues in its security points, said 90% of passengers waited for less than 15 minutes to get through security during July.
A new £25m security hall, including new 3D scanners, was due to be launched in June, but has faced delays in coming online.
The investment is part of a £100m five-year programme announced by Vinci in 2023.
Mr Owens said the new security search hall will open “in the coming weeks”.
Further upgrades to terminal facilities, commercial areas, seating and gate areas and a new duty free and hospitality offering are also planned.
