George Best Belfast City Airport in Ireland has opened newly revamped outlets World Duty Free and WH Smith.

The completed modernisation work was the first phase of an ongoing £15m infrastructure investment programme, which will include upgrades to the departure lounge and its retail, food and beverage outlets.

With an overall size increase of more than 30%, the new, enhanced retail units now feature 552m² of retail space as well as an increased range of products.

“Over the summer months, we expect to welcome approximately 10,000 passengers through the terminal each day so it’s fantastic to provide these customers with a world-class travel retail experience.”

Belfast City Airport commercial manager Joanne Deighan said: “The new World Duty Free and WH Smith units, which have opened just in time for our passengers flying off on their summer holidays, are bright and spacious with a much greater product offering.

“The walk-through design within World Duty Free allows our passengers to easily see the brands available as they move through the Departure Lounge and into WH Smith which overlooks the front of the airport.

“Over the summer months, we expect to welcome approximately 10,000 passengers through the terminal each day so it’s fantastic to provide these customers with a world-class travel retail experience that will really enhance the customer journey.”

Adding to brands such as Benefit, Elizabeth Arden and Molton Brown, World Duty Free in Belfast City Airport will also stock a range of Bare Minerals, Elemis and Smashbox products.

Ryan O’Hara from WH Smith in Belfast City Airport said: “The new store combines the previous two airside stores within the one unit making it a more seamless experience for passengers. Our team is really excited and we hope our customers will enjoy the new store as much as we do.”

Once the infrastructure investment programme is completed by the end of the year, the Departure Lounge will also include additional seating space and charging points.