One of the busiest air travel days of the year has seen thousands of passengers passing through Northern Ireland airports to make it home for Christmas.
Belfast international airport’s arrivals gate was full of anticipating relatives, welcome banners and festive cheers as families were reunited on Monday.
One man made his journey home to Belfast from the other side of the world.
Conor Keenan has been living in Australia for three years and his mum, Grainne Keenan was at the arrivals gate to welcome him home.
“My son has come from Australia with his girlfriend Sabrina, who’s from Malaysia. This is her first time in Ireland,” she said.
“My other son was home from Australia this morning with his girlfriend from Hong Kong, so it is going to be a full house this Christmas. We’ll do all the touristy things, the Giants Causeway, and a big family Christmas while they’re all here.”
Following the journey of over 9,000 miles, Conor said nothing beats seeing the family at Christmas.
“The flight is long enough, but it’s grand, I’m used it by this stage, I’ve been there for three years. I still love to come home for Christmas it’s good to see the family. That is the thing I’m most excited about, not the weather anyway like, it doesn’t compare to Australia.”
Susie Hamilton arrived home with her children Poppy and Rafi.
“We live in London and we’ve come home for Christmas from Essex,” she said. “It’s so lovely and so nice to come back and see everyone at Christmas. We are staying with my sister and seeing all the family, we haven’t been back for quite a while.”
The Stead family welcome back Drury at Belfast International Airport. PICTURE:BRIAN LINCOLN
The Stead family patiently waited for their relatives with a banner for thier arrive from Durham.
Speaking as they waited for their arrival, daughter Laura said: “We are here to pick up my mum and dad who’ve come from England… We are ready and waiting for the whole family to be together for Christmas. Tonight, we are going up to Antrim castle lights, then we will all be in the house with plenty of Christmas goodies.”
James (dad), Flora(mother) with daughters Ula, Opal and Bonnie who have come from England to see their grandparents for Christmas. PICTURE:BRIAN LINCOLN
James Davoll was also happy to be back in Belfast.
“I’m originally from here so I’ve been back for a while, the kids have come to join us today to spend time with their grandparents. The last time they’ve been over to see them was last Christmas. So, we’re really excited.”
Thomas Hilton and his daughter arrive from Norwich to see family for Christmas at Belfast International Airport.
PICTURE:BRIAN LINCOLN
Thomas Hilton said: “We are visiting family, we came from Norwich, to see granny and grandpa. We have come over before, not as much as we’d like though, so it is great to be back.”