Graham Keddie has stepped away from his role as managing director of Belfast International Airport after nearly 10 years in charge.
It is understood he informed staff of his decision to retire on Friday, and left with immediate effect.
Keddie (60) replaced John Doran in the top job at Aldergrove in September 2014.
He arrived with 25 years’ experience in the aviation industry, having held roles in the UK, Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.
He joined Belfast International from Hermes Airports, where he was commercial manager for Larnaca and Paphos airports in Cyprus.
A spokesman for the airport said: “After 35 years in aviation and almost 10 years at Belfast International Airport, Graham Keddie has decided to retire as managing director.
“Dan Owens will assume the role of interim managing director until a replacement has been appointed.
“We wish Graham well in his retirement.”
In February the airport’s French owners Vinci announced that 5.96 million passengers passed through its terminal in 2023, which represented a 95% recovery to pre-pandemic activity from 2019, when a record 6.28 million passengers flew in and out of Aldergrove.
The increase in numbers during 2023 followed the return of Ryanair, with anchor airline EasyJet also running its biggest ever operation at the airport.
