SSP Group has introduced a new restaurant concept, Flax & Soda, at Belfast International Airport in Northern Ireland.

The casual dining venue is situated in the middle of the airport’s redeveloped departures lounge and has a capacity for around 280 guests.

Flax & Soda has been created with a strong regional focus. SSP is drawing on a network of Northern Ireland-based suppliers and has partnered with Knead Pizza to bring a local brand into the airport setting.

SSP UK & Ireland chief property and business development officer Stuart Buchanan said: “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 [food and beverage] units at Belfast International Airport.”

The launch forms part of a wider, five-year programme to overhaul the passenger journey at Belfast International Airport, which began in 2025, with SSP taking a central role in reshaping the catering mix.

Over the past six months, SSP has rolled out several additional outlets at the airport, including grab-and-go concepts Soul & Grain, Starbucks and Burger King.

The final stage of the food and beverage redevelopment is scheduled to conclude later this year and will include a new 300-seat premium bar and kitchen offering.

Belfast International Airport chief commercial officer Kate Sherry 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.”

In February, SSP Group extended and broadened its F&B agreements at three of Egypt’s largest airports.