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Check-in Hall

Belfast International Airport, Airport Road, Belfast, BT29 4AB

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Access Guide

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COVID-19 Information

  • The terminal remains open for passenger operations as normal.
  • The Special Assistance desk is open for all inbound and outbound flights.
  • At least one airside catering unit will be open for all outbound flights.
  • Vending machines and water fountains are available 24/7.
  • The Park and Fly car park (off-site) has been temporarily closed.
  • Parts of the Main Stay and Long Stay Car Parks have also been closed, however all Blue Badge parking remains fully accessible as normal.
  • The majority of Blue Badge spaces are in the Short Stay Car Park, directly outside the terminal building and access to the Assistance Points are unaffected.
  • An external queueing system has been set up under the canopy which runs along the front of the terminal building. This queuing system is in place should room not be available within the terminal itself.
  • The front of the terminal building is served by four entrance / exit doors.
  • As part of a system to segregate arriving and departing passengers, all departing passengers must enter the building via the West Check In Entrance only.
  • The East Check In Entrance has been closed.
  • Both doors to/ from Arrivals remain in use for passengers/ family and friends to make their way to/ from the Arrivals Hall.
  • Sanitising units and queueing systems have been placed so that they have no impact on manoeuvring space.
  • There are numerous hand sanitising stations in situ around the terminal building. They are placed at all entrance and exit points as well as both before and after contact points, such as pre and post security.
  • All departure gate areas have sanitising units installed and in common / seating areas throughout the departures concourse.
  • All retailers and catering outlets also have sanitising units at their entrances.
  • Seating within the terminal building has been rearranged to support social distancing.
  • New queue systems are also in place to support distancing at main gate areas.
  • Catering outlets will have a maximum number of customers at any one time - all tables are spaced to support social distancing measures.
  • There is a one way system in place for departures whereby all departing passengers must enter the building via the West Check In Entrance.
  • From there they can access Check In, Departures and also proceed to the Arrivals Hall / Exit.
  • Arriving Passengers however cannot enter the Departures area without exiting the terminal first.
  • Signage is in place to advise that only one group is permitted in a lift at a time and some areas of the terminal are "Keep Right" or "Keep Left", including some staircases.
  • All one way or one side directions are clearly indicated by way of new signage.
  • Floor markings are in place in all queue areas throughout the terminal and in areas where passengers may congregate such as baggage belts and security loading areas.
  • Signage is in place throughout the terminal on walls, on Flight Information Display Screens and announcements are made via the tannoy system.
  • Directional arrows have also been placed on the floor to support passenger flow.
  • All desks and contact points in the terminal have perspex screens installed including Check In, Departure Gates, Special Assistance desk, Retailers, Car Hire and Passport Control.
  • Two toilet facilities have been temporarily closed - The Lagan Bar and Gate 26. Alternative toilet facilities are located a short distance away. This has no impact on PRM toilet facilities which all remain in use.
  • The Changing Places facility at Gate 18 / The Northern Quarter, remains fully open and operational with an enhanced cleaning schedule.
  • Family rooms and any passenger shower facilities remain open as normal.
  • All staff in the terminal, irrespective of their employer or role are responsible for supporting Covid-19 measures in place.
  • A member of staff will be at the terminal entrance at busy periods to assist.
  • Face masks are mandatory within the terminal building.
  • Anyone who cannot wear a face mask could be asked to provide a medical note for this by their airline/ airline representative or denied the right to fly.
  • We recommend advising your airline at the time of booking of any condition that would mean you cannot wear a mask.
  • Face masks and hygiene kits are available to purchase in a vending machine in the Check In Hall.
  • All Staff in the airport will be wearing face coverings at all times, unless behind a protective screen.
  • An enhanced cleaning regime is in place to include; greater emphasis on contact points such as lift buttons and door handles, all trollies and wheelchairs are sanitised after every use, all surfaces "fogged" with a 72 hour disinfectant spray, all security trays sanitised after use.
  • The airport fully supports the installation and use of the "Stop Covid NI" track and trace app.
  • For more information around COVID-19 and the measure put in place by the airport please click here.

Getting Help and Assistance

  • To book and obtain special assistance and for information please click here (new tab).
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • Team members receive deaf awareness training.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in Irish Sign Language.
  • The alternative formats documents can be provided in include; Braille.
  • There is an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • The assistance dog toilet or toileting area is located landside or airside as directed by the Special Assistance Team.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are mobility aids available.
  • The mobility aids available include ceiling track hoists, wheelchairs, shower chairs, hoist slings and mobile hoists.
  • To obtain mobility aids please contact the Special Assistance team in the Check-in Hall.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • The place of safety is located in the International Departures corridor.
  • For information about the Belfast International Airport Special Assistance Services please click here (opens in new tab).

Getting Here

Parking and Pick Up/Drop Off

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the terminal building on the right.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 184cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.

Check-In

  • There is step-free access throughout the check-in hall.
  • Circulation View
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • There is designated seating available for people with reduced mobility.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs, escalator and lift.
    • For information about Security please click here.
  • Information View
    • Departures information boards are available.
    • There are audible announcements in this area.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.

Check-In Desks

  • The check-in desk(s) is/are located in the check-in hall.
  • The check-in desk(s) is/are clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access to the check-in desk(s).
  • There is step free access to check-in desk(s) 1 to 40.
  • The height of the check-in desk(s) is/are high (95cm+).
  • There is not a lowered section at the check-in desk(s).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section(s) of the check-in desk(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system at the check-in desk(s).
  • There is a member of staff available to assist with bags at the check-in desk(s).

Special Assistance

Counter (Oversized Baggage Check-In)

  • Counter View
    • The counter is located next to desk 1.
    • Clear signage for the counter is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter are good.
    • The height of the counter is high (110cm+).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided near the counter.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Comments View
    • This desk is used for oversized luggage, specialist tools or equipment, sports goods and wheelchairs/motorised scooters.
    • The desk is 20m to the right of the Special Assistance Desk.

Eating and Drinking (Caffè Ritazza)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located in the Check-in Hall.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Full table service is available.
  • Food and/or drinks can be ordered from the service counter.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is step-free access within the café.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The nearest table is approximately 1m from the entrance/opening.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m from the till/counter.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 115cm.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic/takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • There are wall menus available.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Shop(s) (WHSmith)

  • Shop Entrance View
    • In the Check-in Hall.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance/opening.
    • There are no doors leading into the shop(s).
  • Till Point(s) View
    • There is step free access to the till point(s).
    • The nearest till point is/are approximately 2m from the shop entrance.
    • The till point(s) is/are clearly signed.
    • The height of the till point is 104cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the till point .
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the till point(s).
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the till point(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The till point(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter the Check-in Hall, adjacent to the café.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has a non-slip floor.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter the Check-in Hall.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 70m (76yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail to the right of the seat and vertical one to the left.
  • There is a lowered wash basin.
  • The height of the lowered wash basin is 73cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter the Check-in Hall.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is a lowered urinal.
    • The height of the lowered urinal is 49cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the lowered urinal.
    • The lowered urinal does contrast visually with the wall.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair in front of the lowered urinal (90cm x 140cm).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is available.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat and a vertical rail on the left.
    • There is a lowered wash basin.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 73cm.
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Parent and Baby Room

  • There is a parent and baby room for public use.
  • The parent and baby room is located to the right as you enter the Check-in Hall, next to the standard toilets.
  • The parent and baby room is approximately 40m from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
  • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
  • There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
  • The height of the wash basin is 81cm.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
  • The lighting levels are good.

Access To (Security)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the Check-in Hall.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are automatic, double to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Escalator(s) View
    • Escalators can be used to access other floors.
    • The escalator(s) is/are located to the left of the Check-in Hall.
    • Signs indicating the location of the escalator(s) are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The escalators go both up and down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are G and 1.
    • The escalator(s) steps are clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift for public use.
    • The lift is located to the left of the Check-in Hall.
    • Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The lift is a standard lift.
    • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
    • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
    • There are automatic, double to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
    • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
    • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
    • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
    • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
    • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
    • The clear door width of the lift is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The dimensions of the lift are 148cm x 276cm (4ft 10in x 9ft 1in).
    • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
    • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
    • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
    • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
    • The lift does have an audible announcer.
    • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hearing loop system.
    • The lift does have Braille markings.
    • The lift does have tactile markings.
    • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
    • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Security