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International Arrivals and Immigration

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).

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).

Aircraft To International Arrivals

  • Exit from the aircraft is either by mobile steps or Ambulift.
  • There is step free access from the aircraft to the arrival gates.
  • The doors to the arrivals gates are either single or double width and all are over 75cm wide.
  • There is step free access to the majority of gates.
  • There is a small step at arrival gate 23/24.
  • There are lifts from the arrival gates to the arrivals corridor.
  • The lifts overcome the stairs leading from the arrival gates.
  • A member of the special assistance team can provide assistance for passengers with restricted mobility.
  • Where aircrafts are parked at a distance from the arrival gate, transfer may be made by minibus with a steep ramp access at the rear. The ramp is 80cm wide.

Lift (Arrivals Gate - 23/24 and 25)

  • 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 is 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 250cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 2in).
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Lift (Arrivals Gate - 21, 26 and 27)

  • The external controls for the lift are not 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 is 110cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 170cm x 200cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
  • There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift controls are within 120cm - 140cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Lift (Arrivals Gate - 28/29)

  • 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 is 90cm.
  • 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.
  • There is 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.

Lift (Arrivals Gate - 20)

  • 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 is 90cm.
  • 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.

Arrivals Corridor to Border Control

  • There is step-free access along the arrivals corridor.
  • The surface of the flooring is carpet.
  • The distance from the arrival gate to Border Control will vary depending on which gate you arrive at.
  • There is clear signage along the corridor.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
  • There is a seating available for passengers with restricted mobility.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Shared Toilet(s) View
    • The shared toilets that were surveyed are located in the International Arrivals to Border Controls.
    • There is step-free access into the shared toilet(s).
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • There is not a lowered wash basin.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor between international arrivals and border control.
    • 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 255cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 4in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a flush 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 general domestic waste 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 47cm (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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 88cm.
    • 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).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Border Control

  • Border Control Desk(s) View
    • There is clear signage to the border control desk(s).
    • There is step free access to border control desk(s) 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • The height of the border control desk(s) is/are high (110cm+).
    • The border control desk(s) does/do not have a low (76cm or below) section.
    • There is a designated lane available for passengers with reduced mobility.
    • There is a designated border control desk for passengers with reduced mobility.
    • The designated border control desk is desk 4 or 3.
    • The height of the designated desk is 120cm.
  • E Gate(s) View
    • There is not clear signage to the E Gate(s).
  • Staff Assistance View
    • There is a member of staff available to provide assistance at border control.
    • Passengers with restricted mobility can use the queue for all other passports.
      There is seating available with and without armrests.
      There is seating available for passengers with restricted mobility.

Access To (International Baggage Reclaim)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located just beyond border control.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 (Border Control) and 0 (International Baggage Reclaim).
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • 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 just beyond border control.
    • The escalators only go down.
    • The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are 1 (Border Control) and 0 (International Baggage Reclaim).
    • The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
    • The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
    • The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift for public use.
    • The lift is located at the rear of border control.
    • 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 1 (Border Control) and 0 (International Baggage Reclaim).
    • 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 not 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 poor.
    • The clear door width of the lift is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
    • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
    • The lift does not 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 not have Braille markings.
    • The lift does have tactile markings.
    • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

International Baggage Reclaim