THROUGH THE ARCHIVES: Hopes that new airport terminal at Nutt's Corner could be operational by the autumn

The new buildings for passenger accommodation which were being built at Nutt’s Corner airport in Co Antrim were almost 80 per cent complete, reported the News Letter on this day in 1948.

It was revealed that it was hoped that the buildings could be completed by the autumn with an estimated cost of £60,000.

These details were announced in Belfast the previous day by Captain B L Huskisson, RN, the divisional controller of the Northern Division of the Ministry of Civil Aviation who had arrived in Northern Ireland for a three-week visit. Captain Huskisson told a press conference that the new terminal would include a restaurant and a suite of waiting rooms.

A special feature being planned was the provision of garages so that motorists could drive to the airport, garage their car and have it waiting for them on their return from cross-Channel business or pleasure trips.

He also told how a higher regularity of service would result from the ground control landing aids which were expected to come into service in the coming weeks.

Captain Huskisson also revealed that there were no plans for airports elsewhere in the Province, with Londonderry and Enniskillen both featured in questions to the controller.

He also said the question of a return to the Sydenham Airport had not been re-opened.