Festive reunions take place at NI's airports as Christmas travel rush continues

Northern Ireland’s airports are in the midst of the festive travel rush as thousands of people travel to spend the Christmas break with their nearest and dearest.

Today (Mon) is expected to be the busiest travel day of the year at Belfast City Airport, with up to 10,000 passengers passing through.

The airport has been transformed into a festive hub filled with live music and heart-warming reunions.

Michelle Hatfield, Chief People & Marketing Officer at the airport said,“At this time of year the important thing is that people allow enough time for their journey.”

“We all know that around Christmas time the traffic can be heavier; so allow plenty of time to get to the airport. We have lots of staff on hand today and are fully prepared for the increase in passenger numbers.”

She continued, “There’s a real sense of pride and magic across the site.”

“For people arriving it’s seeing those loved ones, tears of happiness, excitement on young children’s faces. All of that is what makes today really special and it is genuinely our favourite day of the year.”

Meanwhile Belfast International Airport says over 100,000 passengers are expected to travel through it over the Christmas period.

Communications Director Deborah Harris said, “It really is one of the busiest times of the year.”

She said recent changes at security will be helpful for those travelling with certain items and gifts in their hand luggage.

“At the minute there is no liquid restriction. You can carry up to 2litres of liquid which is a really great help for people if you’re bringing through perfumes or make up or anything like that. However we do recommend that if you have any wrapped gifts that you put them in your hold baggage.”