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Officially known as George Best Belfast City Airport, Belfast City Airport is an international airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a secondary international airport that began commercial operations in 1983 and was renamed in 2006 in memory of George Best, the professional footballer from Belfast. The airport is located in the heart of Belfast, just 8 km from all the most popular attractions, and is well-connected to the city centre via public transport. It offers a range of facilities, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and lounges, as well as special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities, and impairments. As of 2024, the airport handled over 2.3 million passengers and is partnered with six different airlines, providing flights to destinations across the UK and Europe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | George Best Belfast City Airport |
| IATA | BHD |
| ICAO | EGAC |
| Location | County Down, Northern Ireland |
| Distance from Belfast City Centre | 3 miles (5 kilometres) or 8 kilometres (a 10-minute drive) |
| Year of commercial operations | 1983 |
| Airlines operating routes | 6 |
| Number of routes | 30 |
| Number of passengers in 2024 | 2.3 million |
| Peak number of passengers | 2.7 million (in 2010) |
| Shops and restaurants | Samson's Kitchen & Bar, The Artisan, Starbucks, Caffe Nero, WHSmith, World Duty Free, etc. |
| Facilities | Aspire Lounge, car hire, fast-track security, special assistance, etc. |
| Public transport options | Sydenham Train Station (2 km away), A600 bus, taxi |
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What You'll Learn
Airport history and naming
The history of Belfast International Airport can be traced back to the Second World War when Aldergrove served as an RAF base for the Coastal Command. In 1946, civil flights were moved from Nutts Corner to Aldergrove due to its more favourable weather conditions, and the first passenger flight to land was a BEA Viscount from Manchester. The airport was reopened as a civil airport by Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother in 1963, and the present terminal building was inaugurated.
The first regular jet service from the airport began in 1966, with a route to London–Gatwick. In 1971, Northern Ireland Airports Limited was formed to operate and develop the airport, and British Airways launched the first Belfast to London–Heathrow shuttle service. In 1983, the airport was renamed Belfast International Airport, and it could accommodate the largest civil aircraft in service, achieving all-weather operations with new technology.
Belfast City Airport, officially George Best Belfast City Airport, is an international airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland, situated in County Down. The airport began commercial operations in 1983 and was known as "Belfast City Airport" until it was renamed in 2006 in memory of George Best, a professional footballer from Belfast. The renaming ceremony, which took place on what would have been Best's 60th birthday, was attended by Best's family and friends. However, the decision to rename the airport caused controversy, with mixed feelings among Belfast residents expressed in the media.
In 2024, Belfast City Airport launched an advertising campaign, a new website, and a logo featuring the name 'Belfast City Airport,' omitting 'George Best'. The airport clarified that while the campaign excluded his name, the official business name and airport registration remain 'George Best Belfast City Airport'.
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Airlines and routes
Belfast City Airport, officially George Best Belfast City Airport, is a secondary international airport in Northern Ireland. The airport is located in the heart of Belfast City, just 8 km from all the most popular attractions and 3 miles (5 kilometres) from Belfast City Centre.
Belfast City Airport offers flights to must-see destinations across the UK and Europe, as well as seamless onward connections to the world via London and Amsterdam. The airport has partnerships with several airlines, including Aer Lingus Regional, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair, Lufthansa, and Flybe (which operated from the airport between March 2022 and January 2023). The airport also works with charter partners such as Royal Caribbean, Travel Solutions, TUI, and Top Flight for School.
In 2010, Ryanair operated from the airport, offering five routes and carrying 800,000 passengers annually. However, they closed their base at the airport due to delays in the planned runway extension. Similarly, Manx2 previously offered an Isle of Man service from the airport but has since ceased operations. Bmibaby operated from the airport in 2011-2012, and Aer Lingus moved its services from Belfast International to Belfast City Airport in 2012.
As of February 2024, six airlines operate 30 routes across the UK and Europe from Belfast City Airport, serving over 2.3 million passengers annually. The airport has a noise management strategy in place to address noise pollution concerns, given its proximity to residential areas.
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Transport to and from the airport
Transport to and from Belfast City Airport
Belfast City Airport is conveniently located just 5 minutes from Belfast city centre. There are several transport options available for travellers to and from the airport.
If you are travelling by train, you can disembark at Sydenham rail halt and take a short walk along the Sydenham Bypass to the terminal building. Train services from Sydenham train station are frequent during peak times, providing easy access to the city centre. However, passengers with reduced mobility or difficulty using steps may find this option less suitable due to the presence of a footbridge at the station. Alternatively, you can request a courtesy bus to Sydenham Halt by calling 07502769748.
Another option is to take the bus, with regular Translink Airport Express bus services connecting the airport to the city centre. These buses are low-floor and accessible for wheelchair users, equipped with audio-visual features to assist those with hearing or sight impairments.
For those travelling by taxi, there is a designated taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. Taxi fares to the city centre typically cost around £62, depending on factors such as the specific drop-off point, the number of passengers, and traffic conditions. It is recommended to book a private transfer in advance for a potentially cheaper and more seamless travel experience.
Finally, if you prefer to drive, Belfast City Airport offers car hire services and parking options for your convenience.
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Shops and restaurants
Officially named the George Best Belfast City Airport, this airport is an international airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. It is a mere three miles from Belfast City Centre and is adjacent to the Belfast Harbour.
Belfast City Airport has a variety of shops and restaurants for travellers to enjoy. Samson's Kitchen & Bar, The Artisan, Starbucks, and Caffe Nero are some of the restaurants and cafes available. For shopping, passengers can visit curi.o.city, WHSmith, and World Duty-Free. The airport also offers an Aspire Lounge, where passengers can relax and enjoy complimentary food and drinks before their flight. The lounge has sweeping views of the runway, comfortable chairs, and extra-fast Wi-Fi.
Belfast City Airport also provides special assistance for passengers with reduced mobility, hidden disabilities, and impairments. Additionally, the airport offers car hire services, fast-track security, and a newsletter with updates, travel inspiration, and parking offers.
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Lounges and security
Belfast City Airport, officially George Best Belfast City Airport, is an international airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The airport has a single terminal with five gates. It is well-connected to the city centre of Belfast, which is just 8km away, via public transport.
When it comes to lounges and security, Belfast City Airport offers a Fast Track Security Pass, which allows passengers to walk through security in a matter of minutes thanks to a dedicated access lane and priority service. The pass costs £4 (€5) or is free with Premium Parking. The airport also has its own lounge, which offers sweeping views of the runway, comfortable seating, and extra-fast Wi-Fi. The Aspire Lounge is open daily from 05:00 to 20:00, and passengers can use the lounge up to three hours before their flight departure time. In addition to the peaceful atmosphere, complimentary food and drinks are also available.
Belfast City Airport is committed to ensuring a safe and secure environment for its passengers and staff. The airport has implemented various measures to maintain security, including efficient security checks and a noise management strategy to address noise pollution concerns. The airport operates under a CAA public use aerodrome licence, complying with regulations for public transport and flight instruction.
The airport is located adjacent to residential areas, and noise pollution has been a significant issue for nearby residents. In response, the airport developed a noise management strategy and established operational noise abatement procedures. To address concerns about airport expansion, a planning agreement was put in place, including restrictions on flight schedules, aircraft movement limits, and a cap on the number of seats that could be sold.
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Frequently asked questions
The official name of the airport is George Best Belfast City Airport, named after the professional footballer from Belfast.
As of February 2024, 6 airlines operate from the airport, including Aer Lingus, British Airways, easyJet, KLM, Loganair, and Lufthansa.
The airport has a range of facilities, including Samson's Kitchen & Bar, The Artisan, Starbucks, Caffe Nero, WHSmith, World Duty Free, and an Aspire Lounge.
Belfast City Airport is well connected to the city centre by public transport. You can take the A600 bus, which takes around 10 minutes, or a taxi, which also takes around 10 minutes.
Flights are scheduled between 6:30 am and 9:30 pm, with extensions until 11 pm possible for delayed flights.
