Lois Larson
Belfast City Airport, officially George Best Belfast City Airport, is an international airport in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The IATA airport code BHD refers to Belfast Harbour and its location in County Down. The airport is adjacent to Belfast Harbour and is three miles from Belfast City Centre. It was known as Belfast City Airport until it was renamed in 2006 in memory of George Best, the professional footballer from Belfast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | George Best Belfast City Airport |
| IATA Airport Code | BHD |
| ICAO Airport Code | EGAC |
| Location | County Down, Northern Ireland |
| Distance from Belfast City Centre | 3 miles (5 kilometres) |
| Year Commercial Operations Began | 1983 |
| Year Renamed to Honour George Best | 2006 |
| Number of Airlines Operating Routes (as of Feb 2024) | 6 |
| Number of Routes Across the UK and Europe (as of Feb 2024) | 30 |
| Passenger Traffic (2024) | 2.3 million |
| Peak Passenger Traffic (2010) | 2.7 million |
| Adjacent Railway Station | Sydenham |
| Bus Service to Belfast Grand Central | Translink Metro route 600 |
| Frequency of Bus Service | Every 30 minutes throughout the day |
| Day with Most Departing Flights | Tuesday |
| Average Number of Flights on Tuesdays | 8 |
| Uber Availability | Yes |
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What You'll Learn
- The airport code BHD stands for Belfast Harbour, County Down
- The airport was renamed in 2006 to honour Belfast-born footballer George Best
- It is 3 miles from Belfast City Centre and adjacent to Belfast Harbour
- Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Manx2 and Aer Lingus have operated from the airport
- It is served by the Sydenham train station and Translink Metro route 600 buses
The airport code BHD stands for Belfast Harbour, County Down
The IATA airport code BHD is derived from its location in County Down and its proximity to the Belfast Harbour. This unique code helps travellers easily identify the airport during the flight booking process or when searching for airport information.
Belfast City Airport is one of two main airports in Belfast, the other being Belfast International Airport (BFS). BHD primarily serves intra-UK flights, while BFS handles both domestic and international flights. Belfast International Airport is situated approximately 20 miles from the city centre, making Belfast City Airport a more convenient option for those travelling to or from Belfast.
Belfast City Airport has undergone several name changes since its opening. It was originally known as Belfast Harbour Airport, then Belfast City Airport, and was later renamed in memory of George Best, a professional footballer from Belfast. The airport has also seen various airlines commence and cease operations over the years, including Ryanair, easyJet, Manx2, and Aer Lingus.
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The airport was renamed in 2006 to honour Belfast-born footballer George Best
The airport was renamed in March 2006 to honour Belfast-born footballer George Best. Best, who was born in 1946 in East Belfast, is considered one of the greatest football players of all time. During his career, he played for Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team, among others. He died in 2005.
The airport's official name is now George Best Belfast City Airport, and its IATA code is BHD, referring to its original name, Belfast Harbour Airport, and its location in County Down. The airport is located adjacent to the Belfast Harbour and is approximately three miles from Belfast City Centre.
The airport first began commercial operations in 1983 and was known as Belfast Harbour Airport, before later becoming Belfast City Airport. In 2003, the airport was sold to a Spanish company, Ferrovial, for £35 million. It was then resold in 2008 for £132.5 million to ABN Amro Global Infrastructure Fund.
The decision to rename the airport in honour of George Best was made in 2006, shortly after his death. The announcement was made in March of that year, with the new name taking effect soon after. The renaming was met with some criticism, with some arguing that an airport was not an appropriate way to honour the football legend. Despite this, the airport has continued to bear his name, and it has since become a familiar and well-known part of the airport's identity.
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It is 3 miles from Belfast City Centre and adjacent to Belfast Harbour
The George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA: BHD, ICAO: EGAC) is conveniently located just three miles (or five kilometres) from Belfast City Centre. This makes it an ideal gateway to and from the city of Belfast, with easy access to the heart of the city and its surrounding areas. The airport's proximity to the city centre offers a strategic advantage for travellers looking for a quick and convenient way to reach their destinations.
Belfast City Airport is also strategically positioned adjacent to Belfast Harbour in County Down. This harbour location provides a picturesque setting for the airport and offers additional transportation options for travellers. The airport shares its site with the Spirit AeroSystems aircraft manufacturing facility, previously known as Short Brothers/Bombardier. This co-location highlights the airport's importance to the aviation industry in the region.
The airport's location on the A2 Sydenham by-pass road further enhances its accessibility. The Sydenham railway station is conveniently located adjacent to the airport's southern perimeter, providing frequent train connections to Bangor and Portadown. For those travelling to and from the airport by train, an airport courtesy bus is available to and from the new passenger terminal, ensuring a seamless connection for passengers.
With its proximity to the city centre and harbour, Belfast City Airport serves as a vital transportation hub for the region. It offers a range of travel options, including bus, train, and car, making it a convenient gateway for both domestic and international travellers. The airport's location and connectivity play a significant role in facilitating travel to and from Belfast, contributing to its reputation as a key Northern Irish transport hub.
Over the years, Belfast City Airport has undergone several name changes. It was originally known as Belfast Harbour Airport when it opened for commercial flights in 1983, reflecting its proximity to the harbour. Subsequently, it was renamed Belfast City Airport to emphasise its role as a gateway to the city. Finally, in 2006, the airport was officially renamed George Best Belfast City Airport in memory of the renowned Northern Irish footballer.
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Airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Manx2 and Aer Lingus have operated from the airport
Belfast City Airport has been served by several airlines over the years, including Ryanair, easyJet, Manx2, and Aer Lingus. Each of these airlines has contributed to the airport's development and played a role in connecting Belfast with various destinations across the UK, Ireland, and Europe.
Ryanair, the Irish low-cost carrier, has had a presence at Belfast City Airport, offering flights to popular European destinations. In recent years, Ryanair resumed operations at the airport after an eleven-year absence, with flights to Valencia, Ibiza, and Milan. Ryanair's return to Belfast City Airport provides travellers with more affordable travel options to these sought-after locations.
EasyJet, another prominent low-cost airline, has also established a significant presence at Belfast City Airport. The airline has launched multiple routes from Belfast City, including Glasgow, London Gatwick, Liverpool, and Bristol. easyJet's UK Country Manager expressed delight in offering customers more choice when travelling to and from Belfast and strengthening their network in the region. The airline's commitment to providing great value and flexibility has been well-received by passengers.
Manx2, a former virtual commuter airline, also operated from Belfast City Airport. With a base established in Belfast City, Manx2 offered flights to destinations such as Blackpool, the Isle of Man, Cork, and Galway. Manx2's services from Belfast City experienced varying levels of success, with some routes surpassing the numbers of former carriers. Unfortunately, Manx2 ceased operations in December 2012, with its assets being sold to Citywing.
Aer Lingus, Ireland's flag carrier, has also served Belfast City Airport, although specific details about their current or historical operations were not readily available in the search results. Nonetheless, Aer Lingus's presence at the airport further contributes to the range of airlines that have utilised Belfast City Airport as a base for their operations.
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It is served by the Sydenham train station and Translink Metro route 600 buses
George Best Belfast City Airport (IATA: BHD) is conveniently accessible by both train and bus. The Sydenham train station is located adjacent to the airport's southern perimeter, across the A2 from the old passenger terminal. Passengers travelling to or from the new passenger terminal further northeast can avail of an airport courtesy bus to and from the train station. The station is served by frequent Northern Ireland Railways trains operating between Bangor and Portadown. Trains towards Portadown also stop at Belfast Lanyon Place and Belfast Grand Central stations.
For those wishing to travel by bus, the Translink Metro route 600, also known as the Belfast City Airlink service, provides a direct connection to the airport terminal. Buses operate throughout the day, with a frequency of one bus every thirty minutes. This service offers a convenient and affordable option for travellers heading to or from Belfast Grand Central.
The accessibility of Belfast City Airport by public transport is a significant advantage for passengers. The availability of both train and bus services offers flexibility and convenience, ensuring efficient connections to the airport for travellers from various parts of the city and beyond. Those arriving by train can easily access the airport facilities, and passengers departing from the airport can take advantage of the frequent bus services to reach their desired destinations.
In addition to public transport, the airport is also accessible by taxi or private car. Travellers can opt for taxi services, including ridesharing options like Uber, which provide convenient and personalised transportation to and from the airport. With Uber, passengers can choose from various ride options, ranging from private to premium and cost-effective choices, ensuring a tailored journey to suit their preferences and budget.
Overall, the connectivity provided by the Sydenham train station and the Translink Metro route 600 buses enhances the functionality of Belfast City Airport, making it a convenient gateway for travellers heading to or from Belfast and its surrounding areas.
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Frequently asked questions
The IATA airport code BHD stands for Belfast Harbour and its location in County Down.
The airport is located adjacent to the Belfast Harbour and is only three miles from Belfast City Centre.
The airfield opened for commercial flights in 1983 as Belfast Harbour Airport. It was subsequently renamed Belfast City Airport and then George Best Belfast City Airport in 2006.
Sydenham railway station is adjacent to the airport's southern perimeter. It is served by frequent trains between Bangor and Portadown. You can also get there by bus, car, or Uber.
As of February 2024, 6 airlines operate 30 routes across the UK and Europe from Belfast City Airport. Some of the airlines that have operated from the airport include Flybe, Ryanair, easyJet, Manx2, Bmibaby, and Aer Lingus.
