25/02/2015

International Airport Reopens Public Viewing Gallery

Belfast International Airport has reopened its public viewing gallery, ten years after it was closed.

At the new facility, which offers panoramic views of the apron and main runway, visitors will be able to track the progress of arriving and departing flights, while listening to live audio from Air Traffic Control and "apron chatter".

The original viewing gallery was closed in 2005 as part of a major re-configuration of airport facilities, but Managing Director, Graham Keddie, said the spacious facility is second to none.

Mr Keddie added: "The fact that this is all landside means that it’s open to all. In other airports in the UK, only passengers catching a flight have a visual of the apron and runway, but here our gallery is accessible to all.

"School children and others fascinated by airports and aircraft movements will be drawn to this welcome addition at the International. All you have to do is simply turn up and follow the signage to the Viewing Gallery.

"It’s free and the added features of the aircraft tracker and live audio from Air Traffic Control gives it genuine authenticity as a visitor experience.

"The decision to re-open the gallery was a no-brainer. I knew the old gallery was badly missed, and what we’ve now done is responded to demand by the many people who like nothing more than seeing all the activity that is such a part of this airport."

(MH/CD)


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