The holiday season has brought a special kind of magic to Northern Ireland’s airports, as people and pets unite for heartwarming reunions. According to Steve Frazer, the managing director of City of Derry Airport, this is the best time of year to work at an airport, as thousands of travelers return home for Christmas.
“We see everything from Santas to Grinches and family pets brought to the airport to welcome people home for Christmas,” Frazer shared. “It’s truly a wonderful sight to witness all the hugs, kisses, and reunions.”
Deirdre Mahon, excited to reunite with her son, took the family dog, Skye, to wait for his arrival. “It’s going to be a lovely Christmas, even though it’s been a tough year after losing my husband, Mark, in April. We’re determined to make the most of this Christmas because that’s what Mark would have wanted,” she explained.
Others, like Kate McConnell and her boyfriend Zhenhua Pavetti, traveled from Austin, Texas, to be with family. After a 15-hour journey, Kate was overwhelmed by the warm welcome she received. “I only get to see my cousin Aoife every two years, and it always brings me to tears when we reunite,” she said. Zhenhua, her boyfriend, was excited but admitted he might struggle with the Derry accent.
For Sinead Kelly and her husband Malachy, arriving from Dubai with their 11-week-old baby, it was a joyous reunion with grandparents Jack and Bernadette Scott. “We’re so glad to be in our home city, and now we can finally rest,” Sinead said.
At Belfast City Airport, the atmosphere was festive with a live piano playing Christmas songs and a choir setting the holiday mood for arriving passengers. Travelers from all over, including those returning from long-haul flights, were greeted with smiles, luggage, and Christmas presents.
Caoimhe Brogam, returning home from Abu Dhabi, expressed her excitement about the holiday reunion with her family. “It’s a bit colder here, but it’s nice to be home with family,” she said, as her parents Mark and Mary Boid also made the journey home for Christmas.
Eleanor Welch, a university student returning from Liverpool, couldn’t contain her excitement. “I don’t get home often, but when I do, it’s very special. I’m looking forward to the free food at home,” she said with a smile.
As the holiday travel rush continues, Dublin Airport anticipates its busiest day this Friday, expecting about 93,000 passengers to pass through its terminals. In total, around 1.4 million passengers will travel through the airport this festive season.
Source: BBC
Leave a comment