Belfast International has announced that it is now “fully recovered” from the economic after shocks of the Covid pandemic.
The airport reported pre-tax profits of over £17 million and passenger numbers of over 6.7 million. Meanwhile annual turnover increased to over £65 million, largely driven by an increase in passengers and the associated spend on food, beverage and parking.
Last year saw the completion of several major capital projects at the airport, including the terminal expansion, a new security building and “the purchase of next generation security equipment”.
Turnover at Belfast International went up by 22% between 2023 and 2024, rising from £55m to £67m, reflecting a rise in passenger numbers from 5.9 million to 6.7 million while pre-tax profits increased from £9.5m to £17.3m, an increase of 82%.
The airport attributed the increase in turnover to “the improvement in passenger volume which is the key economic driver of the business and the performance of extra aeronautical activities in particular car park and food and beverage”.
The airport also reported an increase in hiring, with employee numbers rising 6% to 200.
The strategic report set out the future prospects by saying: “The airport has now fully recovered from the Covid-19 pandemic crisis with obvious increased activity during 2024.
“Passenger numbers are forecast to rise alongside airline capacity to receive new aircrafts. The forecast passenger numbers for 2025 are expected to be around 2024 levels and exceed 2019 levels by c. 8%.”
