Passengers flying from Belfast International Airport have a new casual dining restaurant to enjoy as SSP Group, a leading operator of food and beverage outlets in travel locations worldwide, has opened Flax & Soda in the centre of the Departures Lounge.
Celebrating the best of Northern Ireland, Flax & Soda is a 280-cover space offering a flexible, all-day dining experience tailored to a wide range of passenger needs.
The menu celebrates both local and global influences, from Belfast baps, breakfast naans and soda bread Benedicts in the morning to a varied selection of burgers, curries, fish and chips, Turkish-inspired chicken kebabs and vibrant salads later in the day. There is also an extensive choice of alcoholic, soft and hot drinks.
Flax & Soda
The venue places Northern Ireland at its core, proudly 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.
The city’s character impacts every touchpoint of the passenger experience, with local favourite Knead Pizza, a firm staple of Belfast’s iconic Common Market, to provide an authentic taste of the city to the airport for passengers to enjoy. The space also features a bespoke mural celebrating the region’s rich history and culture by local artist Keith Drury, titled “Best of Belfast”, which serves as a striking centrepiece.
“One of our key focus areas has been expanding our bespoke airport bar and kitchen concepts grounded in a strong sense of place. 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 food and beverage units at Belfast International Airport,” said Stuart Buchanan, Chief Property & Business Development Officer at SSP UK & Ireland. “We’re confident that Flax & Soda will quickly become the best part of the journey for passengers using the airport.”
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 food and beverage outlets into a modern, passenger-friendly hub of dining options. In the last six months, the food travel experts have 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 food and beverage developments is expected to be complete later this year, including a brand new 300-cover premium bar and kitchen concept.
Kate Sherry, Chief Commercial Officer at Belfast International Airport, said: “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. 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.”
