Belfast International Airport and SSP enhance CX with new casual dining

The following article was published by Future Travel Experience

Belfast International Airport and SSP Group have opened Flax & Soda, a new 280‑cover dining concept showcasing local flavours and culture as part of the airport’s £100 million transformation programme.

Summary:

Belfast International Airport and SSP Group open Flax & Soda, a new 280 cover dining concept anchoring the airport’s major transformation.
The restaurant delivers a sense of place experience, showcasing Northern Ireland suppliers, local partnerships and regionally inspired design.
Part of the airport’s £100m investment programme, the launch supports a wider upgrade of F&B options to enhance passenger experience and operational efficiency.

Belfast International Airport has partnered with SSP Group to open a new casual dining restaurant – Flax & Soda – as part of its £100 million investment programme. Located in the centre of the airport’s transformed Departures Lounge, Flax & Soda is a 280-cover space offering a flexible, all-day dining experience tailored to a wide range of passenger needs.

The venue places Northern Ireland at its core, sourcing from a network of trusted local suppliers. Regional ingredients are showcased throughout the menu and bar offer, from high-quality meats and freshly baked breads to locally produced dairy and a carefully curated selection of local beers and spirits.

Local influences impact every touchpoint of the passenger experience. SSP is working with local favourite Knead Pizza, a firm staple of Belfast’s iconic Common Market, to bring an authentic taste of the city to the airport for passengers to enjoy. Design elements throughout the space also celebrate Belfast’s rich history and culture, with a bespoke mural of the city by local artist Keith Drury, titled ‘Best of Belfast’, serving as a striking centrepiece.

“Flax and Soda is a most welcome addition to our food and beverage landscape at Belfast International Airport and reflects our vision to transform the airport experience,” said Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer, Belfast International Airport. “With a focus on celebrating local flavours and ingredients, this new family-oriented restaurant is designed to offer our passengers a fresh and innovative dining experience. Flax and Soda is more than just a dining destination – it’s a tribute to the vibrant culture that makes Belfast and the entire region unique.”

In 2025, Belfast International Airport embarked on a five-year journey to transform passenger experiences, with SSP playing a significant role in improving the range of F&B outlets into a modern, passenger-friendly hub of dining options. In the last six months, SSP has already introduced new grab-and-go outlets Soul & Grain, Starbucks and Burger King alongside a fresh look and increased capacity for iconic bar, The Lagan. The final phase of F&B developments is expected to be complete later this year, including a brand-new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen concept.

“One of our key focus areas has been expanding our bespoke airport bar and kitchen concepts grounded in a strong sense of place,” said Stuart Buchanan, Chief Property & Business Development Officer, SSP UK & Ireland. “Flax & Soda is another example of this strategy in action, celebrating the region through a distinctly local proposition that perfectly complements our broad portfolio of F&B units at Belfast International Airport. We’re confident that Flax & Soda will quickly become the best part of the journey for passengers using the airport.”