Exploring Northern Ireland's Airport Infrastructure: A Comprehensive Overview

Northern Ireland is home to Belfast International Airport, which is located 11.5 NM northwest of Belfast. The airport was previously known as Aldergrove Airport, after the nearby village of Aldergrove, and was shared with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove until 2008. In 2018, over 6.2 million passengers travelled through the airport, with the majority of flights operated by easyJet, Northern Ireland's biggest airline.

Belfast International Airport

The airfield was previously shared with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove, which closed in 2008. The base is now known as Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station, Aldergrove, and both runways are now owned by the airport. In 1971, Northern Ireland Airports Limited was formed to operate and develop the airport and its facilities, and a major programme of upgrades was undertaken, including improvements to runways, taxiways and the parking apron.

In July 2013, it was confirmed that abertis would sell Belfast International Airport, along with Stockholm Skavsta Airport and Orlando Sanford International Airport, to ADC & HAS based in the United States. In February 2015, the airport re-opened the viewing gallery that had been closed for 10 years, providing a view of the apron and runways, along with live ATC, arrival and departure boards, and a live flight radar screen. However, this was later closed again in October 2019.

Belfast City Airport

Northern Ireland is home to Belfast City Airport, officially known as George Best Belfast City Airport. The airport is located in County Down, just three miles from Belfast City Centre. It is adjacent to Belfast Harbour and shares its site with the Spirit AeroSystems aircraft manufacturing facility.

The airport is strategically located just five minutes from Belfast city centre, providing essential connectivity between Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK. It is particularly popular among business travellers, government officials, and individuals visiting friends and family. Belfast City Airport has been praised for its convenience, cleanliness, and modern facilities.

Aldergrove Airport

Northern Ireland has at least two airports: Belfast International Airport and Aldergrove Airport. Aldergrove Airport is located 11.5 NM northwest of Belfast and was known as Aldergrove Airport until 1983, when it was renamed Belfast International Airport. In 2018, over 6.2 million passengers travelled through the airport, a 7.4% increase compared with 2017. The majority of flights from Aldergrove Airport are operated by easyJet, Northern Ireland's biggest airline. The airport features flights to some European metropolitan and several leisure destinations. Aldergrove Airport has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction. The airfield was previously shared with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove, which closed in 2008. The base is now known as Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station, Aldergrove, and both runways are now owned by the airport.

Accessibility at Northern Ireland's airports

Northern Ireland has at least one airport, Belfast International Airport, which is located 11.5 NM northwest of Belfast. The airport is easily accessible by various means of transport, including regular buses, taxis, and airport parking.

Belfast International Airport offers a range of accessibility features for passengers with disabilities. There are accessible parking spaces in the Short Stay Car Park reserved for Blue Badge holders, and an Assistance Point where passengers can request assistance. The airport also provides Disabled Accessibility Guides for the Arrivals Hall, International Arrivals and Immigration, and for getting to the airport. These guides offer information on wheelchair accessibility and other disability-friendly features.

Belfast International Airport's main airline is easyJet, which offers flights to several European metropolitan and leisure destinations. In 2018, over 6.2 million passengers travelled through the airport, a 7.4% increase compared with 2017.

Previously, the airfield was shared with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove, which closed in 2008. The base is now known as the Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station, Aldergrove, and both runways are owned by the airport.

Northern Ireland's biggest airline

Northern Ireland's biggest airport is Belfast International Airport, which is located 11.5 NM northwest of Belfast. The airport was previously known as Aldergrove Airport, after the nearby village of Aldergrove, County Antrim, until 1983.

Belfast International Airport is the main airport for the city of Belfast and is Northern Ireland's biggest airport. In 2024, over 6.7 million passengers travelled through the airport, a 13.0% increase compared with 2023, and the highest number in the airport's history. The majority of flights from Belfast International are operated by easyJet, Northern Ireland's biggest airline. The airline has established a large base at Belfast International and offers flights to some European metropolitan and several leisure destinations.

Belfast International Airport has a CAA Public Use Aerodrome Licence that allows flights for the public transport of passengers or for flying instruction. The airfield was previously shared with the Royal Air Force base RAF Aldergrove, which closed in 2008. The base is now known as Joint Helicopter Command Flying Station, Aldergrove, and both runways are now owned by the airport.

Other airlines that operate from Belfast International Airport include Ryanair, which opened a base at the airport in 2016, initially operating flights to nine destinations. In 2017 and 2018, Norwegian Air Shuttle operated long-haul services to Newburgh and Providence. In 2021, Ryanair announced they would be ending operations at both of Belfast's airports, but in 2022, they announced their return to Belfast International Airport, in addition to opening a base.

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