Northern Quarter opens at Belfast International Airport after £1m investment

The new Northern Quarter officially opens after a £1 million investment at Belfast International Airport

A major transformation of the passenger experience at Belfast International Airport has been unveiled, with the official opening of the new Northern Quarter following a £1 million investment that has also created 40 new jobs.

The new Northern Quarter Bar & Kitchen replaces the airport’s former food court with a modern, single 180-seat restaurant and bar, alongside a dedicated Bewley’s coffee dock—marking a significant shift towards a more premium, hospitality-led offering for travellers.

A new chapter for airport dining

The project forms part of the airport’s wider £100 million transformation programme, aimed at improving facilities and elevating the overall journey for more than 6.7 million passengers who pass through Northern Ireland’s principal gateway each year.

Designed to cater to a range of traveller needs, the redesigned space includes upgraded kitchen facilities and a variety of seating options—from quick coffee stops to full sit-down meals—creating a more flexible and comfortable environment ahead of departure.

The investment also strengthens a long-standing partnership between Mount Charles and Belfast International Airport, which has spanned over two decades.

40 new jobs and expanded team

The opening of the Northern Quarter has led to the creation of 40 new roles, doubling Mount Charles’ on-site workforce to a total of 80 employees.

(L-R) Dan Owens, CEO Belfast International Airport, Stacey McAlister, Operations Director Mount Charles, Kate Sherry, Commercial Director Belfast International Airport, Megan Armstrong, General Manager Northern Quarter (Mount Charles)

Stacey McAlister, Operations Director at Mount Charles, described the launch as a “significant milestone” for the company.

“The opening of the new Northern Quarter is a significant milestone for our team. We set out to create a space that feels modern, comfortable and reflective of the standards passengers expect from a leading airport.

“This investment goes beyond the physical refurbishment. We have recruited and trained an expanded team to deliver a consistent, high-quality service that enhances the overall airport experience.

“With the addition of a high-quality beverage partner in the form of Bewley’s, we have further cemented our commitment to improving the airport’s hospitality provision, and showcasing the fantastic flavours and products the island of Ireland has to offer.

“Our partnership with Belfast International Airport has grown over two decades, and this next chapter reflects our shared ambition to raise standards and invest locally.”

Part of a wider transformation

(L-R) Stacey McAlister, Operations Director Mount Charles, Dan Owens, CEO Belfast International Airport, and Megan Armstrong, General Manager Northern Quarter.

Airport CEO Dan Owens said the new Northern Quarter is a key element of ongoing investment plans.

“This investment in the Northern Quarter represents an important part of our airport transformation programme. The new offering will deliver more choice for our passengers and provide a wide range of high-quality food and beverage options in a unique and welcoming space.

“We are looking forward to building on this partnership with Mount Charles as we continue to invest in the passenger experience over the years ahead.”

The Northern Quarter is now fully operational and open to all departing passengers, signalling a continued push to modernise the airport and enhance its role as Northern Ireland’s main travel hub.

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At a glance

• New Northern Quarter opens at Belfast International Airport

• £1 million investment by Mount Charles

• Replaces old food court with 180-seat bar and restaurant

• Includes dedicated Bewley’s coffee dock

• 40 new jobs created, doubling workforce to 80

• Part of wider £100 million airport transformation programme

• Designed to improve passenger experience before departure

• Airport handles over 6.7 million passengers annually

• Now fully open to all departing travellers