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Belfast is served by two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. The former is more convenient for those travelling to the city, while the latter is more convenient for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland. Both airports are private companies and compete directly with each other in some markets. In 2014, Belfast International handled 4,034,000 passengers, while Belfast City handled 2,560,000 passengers. Despite calls for a merger, the airports' owners would welcome any change that gave them a larger slice of the growing business.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of airports in Belfast | 2 |
| Names of the airports | Belfast City Airport, Belfast International Airport |
| Alternative name for Belfast City Airport | George Best Belfast City Airport |
| Alternative name for Belfast International Airport | Aldergrove Airport |
| Distance between the two airports | 13.2 miles |
| Number of passengers handled by Belfast International Airport in 2014 | 4,034,000 |
| Revenue generated by Belfast International Airport in 2014 | £29.4 million |
| Operating profit of Belfast International Airport in 2014 | £2.5 million |
| Number of passengers handled by Belfast City Airport in 2014 | 2,560,000 |
| Revenue generated by Belfast City Airport in 2014 | £19.8 million |
| Operating profit of Belfast City Airport in 2014 | £2.4 million |
| Number of passengers handled by Belfast City Airport in 2024 | 6.7 million |
| Airlines operating from Belfast International Airport | easyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Woodgate Aviation |
| Airlines operating from Belfast City Airport | British Airways, Aer Lingus |
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What You'll Learn
- The two airports are private companies that compete with each other
- Belfast City Airport is more convenient for those travelling to the city
- Belfast International Airport is better for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland
- Belfast International Airport is the main airport for the city of Belfast
- Belfast City Airport is slightly more expensive
The two airports are private companies that compete with each other
Belfast has two airports: George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. Both airports are private companies and they compete with each other in some markets. In fact, this competition has been described as classic market fragmentation, with two local airports vying for limited spoils.
The two airports have a similar financial performance, with modest results. In 2014, Belfast International handled 4,034,000 passengers, generating revenue of £29.4 million, while Belfast City handled 2,560,000 passengers, generating revenue of £19.8 million. Belfast City's operating profit was just marginally lower than that of Belfast International.
Despite the competition, there are calls for the airports to merge. Some argue that it is not sensible for Belfast to have two airports that are so close to each other, just 14 miles apart. However, others point out that a merger is unlikely, as the airports are privately owned and any decision to close one would require taxpayer money. Additionally, the private sector owners of the airports would likely prefer any change that gives their airport a larger share of the growing business.
The two airports also offer different advantages to passengers. Belfast City Airport is more convenient for those travelling to the city of Belfast, while Belfast International Airport is better for those travelling elsewhere in Northern Ireland or internationally. Belfast International is the main airport for the city and offers flights to several European destinations, as well as some leisure destinations. It is also further from the city, but can be accessed by bus. Belfast City Airport, on the other hand, is more expensive but offers less hassle upon arrival.
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Belfast City Airport is more convenient for those travelling to the city
Belfast has two airports: Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. While both airports are private companies that compete with each other, Belfast City Airport is more convenient for those travelling to the city.
Belfast City Airport, also known as George Best Belfast City Airport, is located in the city of Belfast. It is closer to the city centre than Belfast International Airport, which is situated 13.2 miles northwest of the city. This makes Belfast City Airport a more convenient option for those travelling to Belfast, as it reduces travel time to and from the airport.
Additionally, Belfast City Airport offers a range of amenities and services that cater to travellers' needs. It has a variety of shops and restaurants, as well as car parking services, which contribute to its revenue. The airport handled around 2.5 million passengers in 2014, generating revenue of £19.8 million. While it may be more expensive to fly into Belfast City Airport, travellers can expect a more seamless and convenient experience upon arrival.
Furthermore, Belfast City Airport provides a range of flight options for passengers. Airlines such as British Airways and Aer Lingus operate flights to and from the airport, offering connections to destinations like London Heathrow. The airport also has annual restrictions on movements in and out, which some travellers may prefer for a quieter and less crowded experience.
In conclusion, while Belfast has two airports serving the city, Belfast City Airport stands out as the more convenient option for those travelling to Belfast. Its proximity to the city centre, coupled with its range of amenities and flight options, makes it a preferred choice for travellers seeking convenience and ease of access to the city.
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Belfast International Airport is better for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland
Belfast has two airports: Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. While Belfast City Airport is more convenient for those travelling to the city of Belfast, Belfast International Airport is better for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland.
Belfast International Airport is located 13.2 miles northwest of Belfast and is the main airport for the city. It offers flights to several European metropolitan and leisure destinations. The airport is accessible via bus connections from the city and surrounding areas. It is also served by major airlines such as easyJet, Ryanair, Virgin Atlantic, and Norwegian Air Shuttle, providing connections to various international destinations.
The airport has seen recent investments, including a new security hall, duty-free shopping options, and an upgraded terminal. These improvements enhance the overall travel experience for passengers.
Belfast International Airport has a longer runway, enabling it to accommodate larger aircraft and offering more flexibility in terms of flight operations. This makes it a more suitable option for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland, particularly to the north or north-of-south regions.
Additionally, Belfast International Airport has a higher passenger capacity and handles a larger volume of travellers. In 2024, it accommodated over 6.7 million passengers, showcasing its ability to serve a more extensive customer base.
While Belfast City Airport may be slightly more expensive to fly into, Belfast International Airport provides a cost-effective alternative with competitive pricing. It also offers a wider range of international routes and connections, making it more convenient for those travelling beyond Belfast to other parts of Ireland.
In summary, Belfast International Airport is a preferable choice for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland due to its location, accessibility, flight offerings, recent investments, runway capacity, higher passenger volume, and competitive pricing. These factors contribute to a more seamless travel experience for those venturing outside of Belfast.
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Belfast International Airport is the main airport for the city of Belfast
Belfast International Airport is the primary airport serving the city of Belfast and is a significant transport hub for Northern Ireland. Located about 13 miles (21 kilometres) west of Belfast city centre, it is the busiest airport in Northern Ireland in terms of passenger numbers, handling over 6 million passengers in 2022. The airport serves as a base for several airlines, offering a range of domestic and international flights to destinations across the UK, Europe, and beyond.
The airport operates a single runway and a modern terminal building, providing a range of facilities and services for passengers. It is well-connected to the city and the surrounding region by road and public transport. The Airport Express 300 bus service operates a frequent and direct link between the airport and Belfast Europa Bus Centre, while taxi and car rental services are also available.
Belfast International Airport offers a wide range of routes, with regular flights to major cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Glasgow, as well as European destinations including Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Berlin. Several low-cost carriers operate from the airport, providing affordable travel options for passengers. The airport also handles a significant number of freight and cargo flights, playing a crucial role in the region's economy.
The airport has a rich history, dating back to its establishment as a Royal Air Force station during World War II. It later transitioned into a civilian airport, becoming a key transport gateway for the region. Over the years, it has undergone significant developments and expansions to accommodate the growing demand for air travel to and from Belfast.
As the main airport serving the city, Belfast International plays a vital role in connecting Belfast to the rest of the world, facilitating business travel, tourism, and leisure activities. Its convenient location and range of facilities make it a popular choice for passengers travelling to and from Northern Ireland, contributing to its status as the primary air transport hub for the region.
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Belfast City Airport is slightly more expensive
Belfast has two airports: Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport. They are just 14 miles apart, and there has been a long-standing debate about whether Northern Ireland should be served by both.
Belfast City Airport is more convenient if your final destination is central Belfast. It was previously known as Belfast Harbour and was more convenient for the city, growing at the expense of Belfast International Airport (formerly Aldergrove Airport).
However, Belfast International Airport is the main airport for the city of Belfast. It is located 13.2 miles northwest of the city and is easily accessible by bus. It is also able to accommodate larger aircraft, with a longer runway that can operate nightly freight flights and larger planes.
Both airports are private companies, and they compete directly in some markets. While there have been discussions about merging the two airports, it is unlikely due to the financial investments of shareholders and the desire to maintain consumer choice.
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Frequently asked questions
Belfast has 2 airports due to historical reasons and market fragmentation. Belfast City Airport (BHD) and Belfast International Airport (BFS) are both private companies that compete with each other. BHD is more convenient for those travelling to Belfast, while BFS is more convenient for those travelling elsewhere in Ireland.
Belfast City Airport, also known as George Best Belfast City Airport, is located closer to the city and is more expensive to fly into. In 2014, it handled 2,560,000 passengers and generated revenue of £19.8 million. Belfast International Airport is located 13.2 miles northwest of Belfast and is cheaper to fly into. In 2014, it handled 4,034,000 passengers and generated revenue of £29.4 million.
There have been discussions about whether Belfast should have one or two airports, with some arguing that having two airports so close to each other is unnecessary. However, a merger is considered unlikely due to the financial investments in both airports and the competition between them.
