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Special Assistance

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

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Access Guide

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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.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • 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 mobile hoists, ceiling track hoists, wheelchairs, shower chairs and hoist slings.
  • 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

Related Access Guides (Check-In Hall)

Special Assistance

  • The passenger services counter is located on the left as you enter the Check-In Hall.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • The height of the counter is 116cm.
  • The lowered section of the counter is at a height of 75cm.
  • The counter has patterned backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • Special Assistance is administered by OCS.
  • This service is provided free of charge.
  • To obtain assistance, please inform the Airline/Tour Operator when booking the flight or no later than 48 hours before the flight is due to depart.
  • Please advise of the type of assistance required and if any personal mobility equipment such as a powered scooter or wheelchair will be used.
  • The service is available from the passenger’s point of arrival at the airport to their seat on the aircraft.
  • On arrival, the service is available from the aircraft seat to the passenger’s onward mode of transport.
  • It is recommended that passengers requiring assistance arrive no later than two hours prior to arrival time.
  • There are designated contact points where assistance may be accessed.
  • These contact points are in Coach Park - Call Point 1, Public Bus Stop - Call Point 2, Pick Up and Drop Off Area - Call Points 3 and 4, Short Stay Car Park - Call Point 5 and Check-in Hall - Special Assistance Desk.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is step-free level access in this area.
  • There is designated seating available for people who require assistance.
  • There is space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • There are chairs with armrests available in this area.
  • Lighting levels in the seating area are moderate to good.

Travelling with a Hidden Disability

  • Do you have a hidden disability but wish to travel independently through the Airport? Not all disabilities are visible – some are not immediately obvious, such as autism, chronic pain, dementia, anxiety, visual or hearing impairment etc.
    Belfast International Airport understands that travelling through an airport can be stressful but for those passengers with hidden disabilities the airport journey can prove to be particularly challenging.
    The reality of the disability can be difficult for others to recognise or acknowledge. This can result in airport staff not being in a position to identify that a passenger may require additional support or assistance, which only adds to the stress for the passenger.
    We support the use of hidden disabilities sunflower lanyard scheme, which discretely indicates to our staff that you may need additional support, help or simply a little bit more time.
    The distinctive lanyard informs staff that a passenger may need more time to process information and may require additional time to prepare for check in and security screening.
    Our teams are trained to use clear language when giving instructions regarding airport processes and to provide assistance in reading departure boards, directional signage and flight information screens.
    The Hidden Disability Lanyards can be collected from the OCS Special Assistance Desk located in the Check-In Hall.
    We advise that you must still book Special Assistance through your airline (select DPNA) before collection.
    Staff may ask some questions to ascertain that the lanyard is the correct level of assistance you require.
    However, even with the lanyard, it is always recommended to book Special Assistance in advance with your airline even if you are happy to undertake your airport journey unescorted.
    This will ensure that appropriate assistance is available at your destination airport where the Hidden Disability Lanyard may not be recognised.
    Please note that using a lanyard is entirely optional and is yours to keep for your next journey to or from Belfast International Airport.
    IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
    The lanyard does not permit access via Priority Security, airline fast track lanes or Passport Control.
    We can only guarantee that the lanyard user and one other person from the travelling party will be kept together during security processing and border control. This is to ensure that the screening process remains as smooth as possible for all passengers, and that the special assistance provision for assisted passengers remains efficient.
    Please note, there is a Quiet Room located in the Check In Hall to the rear of the Caffe Ritazza, and a designated quiet space in the Departure Lounge in the corridor to gates 20 to 28.
    Familiarisation visits, prior to travel, will also be considered on request. For further information please email feedback@bfs.aero.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located in the Check-In Hall to the right as you enter.
  • For details of the toilet with adaptions please refer to the Check-In Hall guide.
  • Step-free male and female toilet facilities are located in the Check-In Hall to the right as you enter.
  • For details of standard toilets please refer to the Check-In Hall guide.