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Departure Gate - 20

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).

Departure Lounge

Getting To Departure Gates (20 to 29)

  • The access to departures 20 to 29 is located at the of the departure lounge between the Fed & Watered Bar and The Lagan Bar.
    There is step free access along the corridor.
    The special assistance team can provide assistance along the corridor for passengers with restricted mobility.
  • The type of flooring in along the route is carpet.
  • There are not travelators available along the route.
  • There are resting/seating areas along the route.
  • Wayfinding signage is available along the route.
  • The lighting levels along the route are good.

Access To (Departure Gate - 20)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located just off the International Pier.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 (Departure Gate Corridor) and 0 (Departure Gate).
    • 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 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift for public use.
    • The lift is located off the International Pier corridor.
    • The lift is a standard lift.
    • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
    • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1 (Departure Gate Corridor) and 0 (Departure Gate).
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 poor.
    • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
    • The clear door width of the lift is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
    • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
    • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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.

Departure Gates (20)

  • Departure Gates Waiting Area View
    • The departure gate(s) in this area is/are gate(s) 20.
    • There is seating available at the departure gate(s).
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is not designated seating available for people with reduced mobility.
    • The type of flooring in the departure gate(s) is vinyl.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Departure Gate Details View
    • There is clear signage to the departure gate(s).
    • A documentation check desk is available at gate(s) 20.
    • The height of the documentation check desk(s) is high (95cm+).
    • There is a single, permanently held open door with an opening width of 75cm+ for access to the airbridge/tarmac.
  • Boarding View
    • There is ramped/sloped access to the aircraft via the tarmac from departure gate(s) 20.
    • There is an Ambulift available.
    • The accessibility of the individual aircraft varies depending on the provider. Please contact your airline company prior to booking for more information.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Departure Gate 20)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left after you exit the lift into the departure gate waiting area.
    • 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 270cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 not fully functional.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 120cm and 170cm from the floor.
  • 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 lid.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 42cm (1ft 5in).
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a separate sink next to the baby changing table.
    • The height of the sink is 85cm.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Departure Gate 20 to Tarmac)

  • There is a ramp/slope located just beyond the departure gate.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Departure Gates to the Aircraft

  • There is step-free access from the departure gates to the aircraft.
  • A member of the special assistance team can provide assistance for passengers with restricted mobility to the aircraft.
  • Where aircrafts are parked at a distance from the departure gate, transfer may be made by minibus with a steep ramp access at the rear. The width of the ramp is 80cm.
  • Entry to the aircraft is either by mobile steps or Ambulift.

Ambulift(s)

  • The clear door width of the lift entrance is 100cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 203cm x 100cm (6ft 8in x 3ft 3in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is seating available in the Ambulift.
  • The seats do not have armrests.
  • There is a designated space available for wheelchair users.
  • There are 4 wheelchair spaces.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 Ambulifts that may be used.
    • The information above describes the smallest Ambulift (shown in photographs 1-4).
    • The largest has a 230cm wide x 120 deep lift, with 120cm wide entry gate. There are 3 drop down seats without armrests and space for up to 9 wheelchairs (photographs 5-8 show the largest Ambulift).