IT'S LESS hassle and quicker from Belfast. That's one of the main messages going out from Belfast International Airport as it attempts to entice more passengers from south of the Border.

BIAL has launched a concerted drive to attract increased passengers from the Republic.

So far the campaign has taken the form of billboard advertising in the six southern Border counties, illustrating the time and hassle savings when flying from Belfast International.

Said BIA's Business Development Director Uel Hoey: "At Belfast International there are no long delays, no hassle and no energy-sapping queues or endless security checks that have so characterised Dublin Airport in recent months."

However, a spokesperson for Dublin Airport was not concerned about Belfast specifically targeting travellers from south of the Border.

"Our passenger numbers have been growing by one million each year for the past number of years - the only exception being the year of the New York terrorist attacks when growth was just half a million - and we expect to grow by another million this year.

"Last year we flew 18.4 million passengers - four times the population of the island of Ireland - to 122 destinations using 50 different airlines.

"Last year alone we had 35 new routes, and so far this year there has been a further 30," said Siobhan Moore, Dublin Airport's External Communications Manager.

"Many people from north of the Border fly from Dublin and we expect them to continue to do so."

Services

Added Uel Hoey of BIAL: "Belfast International now offers scheduled services to 33 destinations in Great Britain, the Continent and the United States. If you include all the charter destinations we serve, the total is well in excess of 100.

"Belfast International is enjoying impressive passenger growth and we expect that in the near future annual traffic using the airport will reach five million. Even with this growth, the passenger experiences none of the frenzy or frustration associated with flying out of significantly larger airports."

He added: "Belfast is closer than you think and better than you know. Not only will you get to the airport faster, but when you do arrive you will find that everything is designed for your convenience.

Entrance

"The car parks are affordable and are only a short walk from the Terminal where, within a few feet of the entrance, you'll find the check-in desks. What the air passenger gets is a trouble-free travel experience with modern retail and dining facilities".

"We've looked closely at the market, and fully recognise the island-wide nature of business. Congestion at Dublin isn't going to disappear for a very long time, and what we're saying is that Belfast, as the island's second busiest airport, can easily accommodate increased passenger numbers without any log-jams or delays".

Added Siobhan Moore of Dublin Airport: "We expect to continue to grow at the current rate and have got the go-ahead for a second terminal. A metro rail link to Dublin city centre is in the pipeline, making the airport even more attractive."