Well it has to be said, Belfast City's new terminal is a Major improvement on its last one! The parking facilities are much improved , there is much more space, and at last when you enter the building you actually feel as if you are in an Airport!! That said it could still be a lot better.
Originally the building was to be twice the size. The owners however, scaled it down due to escalating costs. The foundations do exist though to double its size. The terminal has a modern feel and there is plenty of space in the check-in area. The facilities are everything you would expect in a regional airport. There will even be a foreign exchange opening soon.
The departures lounge unfortunately,is little improved on the old one. True there is more space but not a lot more..especially during peak times.Lack of airbrdges also ensure an often wet journey to the aircraft. Upstairs however, the business lounges are a big improvement on the old.
My main gripe however would be the state of the runway surface..woeful. Something that you are accutely aware of when rushing down it at speed. Why build a new terminal yet down nothing to an old runway desperately in need of repair? The mind boggles.
All in all, not a bad effort. Very handy to Belfast City centre although the link road turns into a car park at peak times. It provides employment for many people in the Belfast area and certainly is a necessary tool to the business community but personally I don't think its a patch on its big brother up the road, Belfast International.